Q. Can Catholics be “bell-ringers” for the Salvation Army?
A. At first blush, this question seems innocuous enough. The Salvation Army is a man-made religion founded in 1865, in London, by William Booth, based largely on the teachings of the Methodist Church. The Salvation Army does a lot of good charitable work throughout the world, especially for the poor and afflicted.
This time of year, the small bell beckons passers-by to drop their change into the red kettle of the Salvation Army. However charity isn’t as simple as it seems. Shouldn’t we be concerned about the destination of our good deeds? Do ethical problems surface when the Salvation Army is scrutinized?
I do not believe it is enough to give blindly. As Catholics (or any Christians, for that matter), we have a moral obligation to hold charities accountable.
In one of their position papers the Salvation Army appears to be pro-life. However, upon further scrutiny of their beliefs, the Salvation Army believes that termination of pre-born life can occur when “carrying the pregnancy further seriously threatens the life of the mother” or diagnostic procedures identify a fetal abnormality causing only a “very brief post-natal period.” Further, rape and incest also represent “special case[s] for the consideration of termination.” In my opinion, that in and of itself more than disqualifies a Catholic from being a bell-ringer for the Salvation Army.
The Salvation Army holds positions that are contrary to Catholic belief, notably that Baptism is not required for salvation. Members of the Salvation Army also do not partake in any sort of communion.
Members of the Salvation Army believe that living a holy life and receiving the grace of God can take place regardless of whether an individual participates in specific religious rituals or not.
It is unfortunate that there are such divisions within Christianity today that leads to confusion among people of goodwill.
Most likely your local Catholic parish is undertaking a number of charitable initiatives in this Christmas season that you can partake in. That’s where I would begin—with your local parish. Please ask your pastor where and how you can help your parish—in being involved in charitable endeavors, in assisting every type of educational outreach, in ministries and yes, financially. Everything worthwhile requires money to make it happen and Catholic parishes are no exception.
A very good book on the differences between major Protestant churches and the Catholic Church is: “Separated Brethren, A Review of Protestant, Anglican, Eastern Orthodox, and other religions United States” authored by William J. Whalen. Published originally in 1958 by Our Sunday Visitor, I believe it is out of print. However, copies can still be acquired online through used book websites.
Thanks for the question and everything you do for your local parish.
This question was answered by a priest of the Diocese of Lincoln. Write to Ask the Register using our online form, or write to 3700 Sheridan Blvd., Suite 10, Lincoln NE 68506-6100. All questions are subject to editing. Editors decide which questions to publish. Personal questions cannot be answered. People with such questions are urged to take them to their nearest Catholic priest.
