CRADLE ROLL
The name of a baby may be entered on the Army's cradle roll,
if the parents wish. A certificate recording membership is given
to the baby. This does not indicate that either the child or the
parents are members of The Salvation Army. A person called the
cradle roll sergeant takes a special interest in the baby and
its family.
DEDICATION
Family and friends gather for this important ceremony which
is comparable to a christening in another church. Thanks are
given to God for the new life. Parents promise to care for their
child and give protection from harmful things as far as
possible. An officer holds the child and asks God in prayer to
bless the child and guide the family. People in the congregation
are asked to encourage and help the child as he/she grows.
JUNIOR SOLDIER
Children can become junior soldiers from the age of seven.
They sign a simple statement that they love God and have asked
to be forgiven for their sins. They promise to try to follow the
example of Jesus. A short course of Christian teaching is given.
At a simple ceremony the child receives a badge and certificate
of acceptance.
Some junior soldiers wear uniform. This may be a white shirt
with a yellow, red and blue tie, navy blue skirt or trousers and
a hat or cap - or it may be as simple as a shirt or sweatshirt
with a Salvation Army logo.
SENIOR SOLDIER (INITIATION)
An adult (aged 15 or over) becomes a recruit when he or she
asks to be considered as a member of The Salvation Army. A
recruit must show evidence of a personal Christian faith and
lifestyle. A short course of teaching and discussion is
completed. The Articles of War, a document setting out the
Salvationist's beliefs and promises, is accepted and signed. At
a simple ceremony which may be considered comparable to
confirmation or baptism in another church, the recruit affirms
these promises and signs them in the presence of the
congregation. Salvation Army soldiers are rarely dismissed
(their names removed from the roll), and then only after careful
consideration.
OFFICERS
Salvationist men and women who feel a vocation to become
leaders in the Army become candidates for officership. If
accepted, they receive two years' residential training. At
the end of the training period, cadets sign a covenant with God
and The Salvation Army, in private. In a public ceremony they
are ordained, commissioned and appointed as ministers of
religion.
MARRIAGE
Salvationists believe in marriage as a sound basis for family
life. If officers marry they will most often marry another
officer, but other Salvationists have no restrictions in their
choice of partner although many will wish to choose a Christian
partner.
The Salvationist wedding ceremony is very similar to a
wedding in any other Christian church, but there are some unique
Salvation Army procedures. For example, the Salvation Army flag
is prominently displayed, indicating that the marriage includes
a spiritual commitment. The bride and groom might wear uniform
if they are uniformed Salvationists. Sometimes a brass band
provides music and/or a guard of honor. At one time a full-scale
religious meeting complete with sermon was held. This
occasionally still happens now. When both partners are Salvation
Army soldiers only non-alcoholic drink is provided at the
reception.
PROMOTION TO GLORY
This is the term Salvationists use for the death of a
Christian. They believe that when the physical body dies, the
soul or spirit continues to exist in another dimension. This new
dimension could be Heaven or 'glory' in which God is present, or
hell which is the absence of God. Christians believe that those
who accept God are accepted in Heaven.
Bereavement naturally causes sadness. The belief that a
person is safe in a new existence with God gives comfort and joy
even in personal sorrow. Thus a Salvation Army funeral is
characterized by an atmosphere of joy and hope.
Special traditions connected with the ceremony may include:
- - a cap or bonnet, Bible and Salvation Army song book
placed on the coffin;
- - a white ribbon at the top of the flagpole;
- - a brass band leading the cortege;
- - an appeal to those present to be aware of the wisdom of
accepting God.
Sometimes a time is set aside for a memorial service during
the Sunday following the funeral. Thanks for the life of the
person promoted to Glory are expressed to God.
Either cremation or burial are permitted.
