Lest We Lose Our Legacy: Officer Women in Paul A. Rader and Kay F. Rader The Salvation Army’s egalitarian roots power or influence merely on account of her sex. . . . Women must be treated as equal with men in all the intellectual and was a formative influence in the founding of social relationships of life.4 The Salvation Army. The movement, in fact, was co-founded by William and Catherine Booth. True, has been This charter is a vital part of the essential ethos of the Army to most often referred to as the Founder and Catherine as the Army this day. It is enshrined in all subsequent revisions of Orders and Mother, but her influence was pervasive. She was his closest Regulations in one form or another. Army leadership has never confidant and most candid critic. “Thou art to be my guardian wavered from it as an ideal. It is the priceless legacy of William watcher!” he once wrote to her during their courtship.1 And so and Catherine Booth left to future generations of Salvationist she became. Before he knew her better, William made bold to women. General Frederick Coutts, then commissioner, writing express the popular understanding of the time that women were in the 1959 Salvation Army Year Book on the occasion of the one- less endowed intellectually and spiritually than men. Catherine hundredth anniversary of the publication of Female Ministry by lost no time in disabusing him of any such notion, insisting that the Army Mother, eloquently captures this legacy: he come to “settled views” on the issue of women’s equality or they had little prospect of a future together. He did. Theories of what ought to be in church order so often break be- The Booths raised eight children to maturity, three boys and fore the fact of what is. In the economy of the Kingdom, God’s five girls. All, with the exception of one daughter, who had a lim- ways are not our ways, nor His thoughts our thoughts. In vain iting condition, proved to be remarkable Salvation Army leaders do men debar those servants whom He employs. . . . Seeing and gifted preachers. Much is owed to Catherine’s firm hand in that the grace of the Spirit and the gift of the office of apostle, the nurture of mind and spirit. She would not allow her sons to prophet, evangelist, pastor and teacher have been—and are—so look down on their sisters. “I have tried to grind it into my boys undeniably granted to women as well as men “for the perfect- that their sisters are just as capable and intelligent as themselves,” ing of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying she declared.2 William trusted her judgment implicitly and of the body of Christ,” who are we to withstand God?5 knew she was the more theologically astute. She was his preach- ing partner in their early campaigns, often providing him with Sadly, it must be acknowledged that leadership has not always sermon material. During her husband’s illnesses, she preached been consistent in conforming Army policies and practices to in his stead with great effect and soon had her own wide-rang- this grand and emancipating ideal. Still, for thousands of women ing preaching ministry. By the time she preached her last public in more than one hundred countries as they have responded to sermon in the pulpit of Dr. Joseph Parker’s famed City Chapel, God’s call to Salvation Army officership, it has opened a “wide London, she had become one of the best-known women preach- door for effective work.” Since the days of the Christian Mission ers of her generation. It is no surprise then that, when preaching (1865–1878), single women, sometimes in teams of two, have prov- stations began multiplying as the Christian Mission gained mo- en effective in preaching and pastoral work. Many have been in mentum, the Booths began recruiting women for the ministry, the vanguard of missionary outreach. Serving as missionary offi- often assigning them in charge. cers in Korea, we were often moved while standing at the graves of When the mission took the name of The Salvation Army in three valiant young single Swedish officers who braved exposure 1878, the right of women to preach, and, indeed, to undertake any to disease when the Army “opened fire” in the peninsula nearly a task in ministry for which they had been gifted, was firmly estab- century ago. Some have found missionary service a path to leader- lished in the fledgling movement. Even before Catherine, unable ship. General (Ret.), an Australian, began her officer to resist further the impress of the Spirit, began to preach at Gates- ministry as an educational missionary in Rhodesia. Commission- head on Whit Sunday in 1860, she had penned a brilliant defense er Robin Dunster, the current chief of the staff at International of women’s right to preach in response to an attack by a local pas- Headquarters in London, second in command and chief operat- tor on the pulpit ministry of Phoebe Palmer, who was preaching ing officer for the global Army, served first as a missionary nurse at the time in a nearby community. Her essay is still in print.3 administrator in Zimbabwe and much later in senior leadership Christine Parkin opines that “there is almost an air of ‘positive there and as territorial commander in Congo and the Philippines. discrimination’” toward women in the Orders and Regulations Traveling around the Army world as international leaders of the drafted by William Booth for staff officers in 1895: One of the leading principles upon which the Army is based is General Paul A. Rader (Ret.) and Commissioner the right of women . . . to an equal share with men in the great Kay F. Rader are the former international leaders work of publishing Salvation to the world. . . . She may hold of The Salvation Army. After their retirement, Paul any position of authority or power in the Army from that of was elected president of their alma mater, Asbury a Local Officer to that of the General. Let it therefore be un- College in Wilmore, Kentucky. Their story is told in derstood that women are eligible for the highest commands— If Two Shall Agree by Carroll F. Hunt. indeed, no woman is to be kept back from any position of

Priscilla Papers ◆ Vol. 22, No. 3 ◆ Summer 2008 • 19 movement, we have often been awed by the dedication and sheer God’s call have discovered that they had gifts for ministry that physical courage of our single women officers serving in some of they had not imagined. Indeed, not a few husbands over the the riskiest and most demanding assignments. years have followed a wife’s calling into officership, discovering Social services for women in the last century came under sep- only later their giftedness for ministry. In any case, wives and arate command in the United Kingdom and North America. The husbands receive the same training. Each is ordained a minister Women’s Social Services Department provided unique opportu- of the gospel and commissioned as an officer of The Salvation nities for single women to gain administrative and leadership ex- Army. Up until 1996 and the changes effected as a result of the perience. Commissioner Christine MacMillan, now international recommendations of an International Women Officer Commis- director for social justice and former territorial commander for sion, convened to review the status of women officers, women Canada and Bermuda, spent most of her career in Social Servic- followed the ranks of their husbands and were referred to as Mrs. es. Though unintended, the eventual integration of the Women’s Captain David Jones, for example—or, more often, simply as Social Services Department with its separate headquarters and Mrs. Jones. They are now understood to carry rank as officers leadership structure into the overall command structure of the in their own right and are to be referred to as Captain Dorothy Army deprived women of positions previously available for gain- Jones, for example, whether married or single. The change was ing administrative experience as a steppingstone to senior lead- much more than cosmetic. The outcomes were far-reaching. ership. The number of programs under the exclusive leadership Women’s sense of identity as officers and clergy in their own right of women was reduced, eliminating valuable opportunities for has been significantly reinforced, not only in their own minds, aspiring single women officers. There remains, of course, within but in the minds of their male peers and others to whom they the Army a wide range of ministries for single women officers, relate in their officer roles. In some African countries, this policy including corps leadership. has changed the public perception and even legal prerogatives of married women officers, especially in the event of a husband’s Marriage and ministry death, when by tribal custom they might otherwise be divested A half century ago, the great majority of officer cadets were sin- of all their possessions, including their children. gle. Entering training much later in life, cadets today are far more The international leader and general of The Salvation Army likely to be married.6 The Army requires that officers be married is elected by the High Council, by deed poll constituted of the to officers. This limits the field considerably for single women officers with the rank of commissioner, the most senior rank in who desire to marry, as the number of single men cadets is even the Army, and certain other senior officers. With the conferring slimmer than that of single women. Women who do enlist for of rank in their own right on all women officers, women married training while single are responding to a clear and compelling to commissioners were also given the rank of commissioner and sense of calling and are often better qualified than their peers. were thereby eligible to participate in the High Council and the While every position of leadership is, in principle, available to election of the general. The effect was for married women officers them, the path, even for the most gifted, has often been rough, to be made a part of other decision-making boards and councils narrow, and dispiriting. Thankfully, intentional efforts are now at every level. For example, married women commissioners, rep- being made to identify single women officers with outstanding resenting the four United States territories, now participate fully leadership potential early in their service and to prepare them for in the deliberations of the Commissioners Conference, which sets major leadership opportunities. national policy for The Salvation Army in the United States. With The provenance of the policy requiring officers to be married these changes, the need for preparing senior married women of- to officers is not entirely clear. Harold Hill observes, “Until the ficers for participation at this level became immediately appar- mid-1880’s, married women were given the option of coming into ent. A whole new range of leadership appointments now became training or remaining at home during the training period.”7 Ap- open to married women officers as a consequence, although the parently, it was seen as an administrative convenience at a time facilitating of these appointments was the prerogative of territo- when officers were moved about frequently, sometimes every few rial leaders, not all of whom have been eager to place women in months. Clearly, some officers’ wives were likely to be better suit- more senior roles. ed to ministry than others. Eventually, emphasis was placed on In 2001, General John Gowans wrote to international Salva- both husband and wife confirming a call to this unique vocation tion Army leaders urging them to consider the appointment of as an officer couple. At one point, the concept of “joint covenant” married women officers to more senior leadership responsibili- was proposed, but gained little traction. Each officer makes his or ties. Referencing the regulations as far back as 1886 guaranteeing her own covenant with God as an officer of The Salvation Army. the eligibility of men and women alike for all ranks, authorities, In the event of the death of either partner, it is expected that the and duties, “all positions being open to them,” he acknowledged surviving spouse will continue to fulfill his or her calling as an that “this truth has not always and everywhere been implement- officer. The fact that the covenant is regarded as a life covenant,8 ed with the courage and conviction that it demands of us, and I though it is accepted that not all will stay the course, creates its wish to seek your cooperation in ensuring that the Army today own level of difficulty in providing appropriate appointments for recognizes and obeys the divine imperative that has been laid all officers, married and single. upon us in this matter.”9 The reality has been that a great host of married women who Toward the end of our term as international leaders, an In- have committed themselves to an officer vocation in response to ternational Officership Commission was convened to review and

20 • Priscilla Papers ◆ Vol. 22, No. 3 ◆ Summer 2008 put forward recommendations regarding the unique institution of Women’s Ministries that have become associated with the ap- of Salvation Army officership. The commission issued its final re- pointments of their husbands whether the women are particu- port after our retirement in 1999. The report further supported larly suited to those tasks or not. For many years, wives of officers the recommendations of the earlier Women’s Commission. Gen- in headquarters appointments were left without meaningful as- eral John Gowans engaged the surveyed opinion of more than signments and sometimes without any appointment at all. 17,000 officers around the world in responding to the recommen- Current challenges dations of the commission. Their responses were collated by an external firm and the results forwarded to the general for review The intention is now that all married women officers should have and decision. (The Army, though now more collegial and partici- appropriate and fulfilling responsibilities. The end willed is clear. patory in administrative ethos, is after all a command structure!) The challenge is willing the means. It is a challenge being faced by Some recommendations were accepted, some deferred, and some many denominations. Where women officers lack the necessary referred to territories for implementation at their discretion. Giv- experience or the opportunity to gain it (and, often enough, even en the cultural diversity of the Army in 114 countries where it is if they do have the requisite experience and ability), the “stained now established, it becomes ever more difficult to legislate for the glass ceiling” is a frustrating reality. In the end, the Army is the movement internationally. loser. Now that senior married women officers are being given A certain cultural sensitivity is required in introducing reserved appointments which have been the preserve of men or changes affecting the status of women to be sure, particularly single women, Harold Hall can comment that some have seen as it may affect the family structure. Having said that, it took a the single woman leader in the Army as an “endangered spe- Danish woman leader serving with her husband in Bangladesh cies.”12 While a concern, we would not regard the situation as to remind the 1998 International Conference of Leaders that, if quite so dire. In fact, there is evidence that, in some major ter- we were to feel it necessary to await changes in the culture before ritories, both single and married senior women officers are being implementing changes in the interest of equality of opportunity given significant commands. Commissioner Mary Rajakumari for women and recognition of their God-given rights, we might was appointed territorial commander of the large and complex still be agreeing to women throwing themselves on the funeral Western India Territory with headquarters in Mumbai, following pyres of their husbands. Ultimately, our standard is not Eastern the promotion to Glory of her husband in 2007. Commissioner culture or Western culture, but the culture of God’s Kingdom. Vinece Chigariro is now in her second appointment as a terri- The 1990 report of a Church of England Working Party Con- torial commander, first in Zambia and now in Zimbabwe, with cerned with Women in Ordained Ministry, entitled Deacons responsibility for more than one hundred schools from preschool Now—published when women could be ordained only to the to secondary, two hospitals, numerous social service programs, deaconate, but not yet as priests, let alone bishops—included a and some eight hundred centers of worship. statement germane to the Army’s own challenge in maximizing As is the case with not a few Protestant denominations, The its resource in commissioned women officers: “The Anglican Salvation Army in responding to these challenges is aware of a Church has for the first time seriously addressed the career de- foot-dragging cultural inertia in some quarters. Surprisingly, velopment of women in ministry. Having willed the end—the in- those in the American territories are often more resistant to corporation of women into the clerical profession—the Church change in this regard than are Salvationists in the developing is now faced with the challenge of willing the means.”10 world. The Army in the United States at grassroots tends to be For the most part, married officers are comfortable in the ad- most strongly influenced by far-right with its justment to roles reflecting their gifting while working together overreaction to the perceived evils of secular feminism. There as corps officers in local communities, where their responsibili- are strongly entrenched cultural biases as well. Contributing to ties are often far more diverse than those of the average pastor. that inertia is the recruitment of officer cadets heavily influenced Sometimes the wife is more capable in relating to the community, by far-right conservatism and a lack of awareness of, or unwill- fund raising, administration, or financial management, while the ingness to accept, the scriptural grounds for women’s freedom husband does most of the preaching. With other couples, it is the to preach and lead, so fervently articulated by Catherine Booth. wife who is the more gifted preacher and programmer for wor- Having said all this, we observe a heartening resurgence of com- ship and other activities, while the husband handles the business, mitment to the Founders’ legacy of freedom for women in min- administration, and community relations. In fact, a study com- istry and leadership increasingly evident across the Army world, pleted by Lt. Col. Richard Munn, in connection with his doctoral which holds bright promise for the future. studies at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, demonstrated a high degree of marital satisfaction and fulfillment experienced Conclusion by corps officer couples included in the survey.11 William and Catherine Booth were evangelists to the core. Their Difficulties arise for officers and their leaders when the couple hearts were aflame with a passion to proclaim Jesus Christ as Sav- is appointed to headquarters responsibilities where they will be ior and Lord. They believed in the redeeming and transforming given separate assignments. And, though leaders are now under power of the gospel. Their hearts yearned for the salvation of the mandate not to confine themselves to the convenience of “par- lost. The movement they birthed was destined to fight under a allel appointments” for married women officers, it is still most banner of Blood and Fire. Their commitment to recruiting a full common for women to be assigned tasks within the Department force for this fight was both principled and pragmatic. The ex-

Priscilla Papers ◆ Vol. 22, No. 3 ◆ Summer 2008 • 21 ample of Jesus and the practice of the Apostles provided all the permission they required to employ women fully in the great Sal- Holy Spirit Interceding vation War. They would not deny to women the freedom to make “full proof of their ministry” in response to the imperious call of (Romans 8:26–27) God laid upon their lives. There was, and is, a world to win—a Ruth Hoppin world of sin and suffering, of brokenness and bondage, waiting for the liberating Word and transforming touch of the Savior’s Flame of far celestial fire, love. Now, as then, The Salvation Army is committed to standing lighting every high desire, “shoulder to shoulder”—women and men with a common call- ing and commission to “preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ and promised gift of Christ’s ascending, meet human need in His name.”13 Fulfilling that commitment still a heavenly flame descending consistently has never been without its challenges. But fulfill it on each soul with Spirit gifting, we must, lest we lose our legacy and falter in our mission. “The Lord gives the command; the women who proclaim the good tidings are a great host” (Psalm 68:11 NASB). we behold the shadows lifting, flame that burns through old divisions— Notes race and gender—blessed visions 1. Catherine Bramwell-Booth, Catherine Booth: the Story of Her standing by us, ever pleading. Loves (London: Hodder and Stoughton, 1969), 144. 2. Frederick Coutts, “Ordination of Women,” The Salvation Army Year By the Spirit interceding, Book (London: The Salvation Army International Headquarters, 1959), 8. 3. Catherine Booth, Female Ministry: Women’s Right to Preach the Gospel (Rancho Palos Verdes Calif.: The Salvation Army USA Western scrolls are opened that were sealed, Territory); also included in Terms of Empowerment with essays by Cath- by their hidden words revealed, erine Booth, , and Commissioner Kay Rader, pub- out from dungeons error wrought lished by the USA Eastern Territory and available from CBE at www. equalitydepot.com. liberating truth is brought; 4. Christine Parkin, “A Woman’s Place? (Catherine Booth and Fe- out from prisons of despair, male Ministry)” in Catherine Booth: Her Continuing Relevance, ed. Clif- ford Kew (London: The Salvation Army International Headquarters, hope emerges free and fair. 1990), 19. This collection of essays published by The Salvation Army In- ternational Headquarters in 1990 marks the 100th anniversary of Cath- In word we cannot think or say, erine Booth’s promotion to Glory. 5. Coutts, “Ordination of Women.” And this from Coutts: “Any rigid articulated when we pray, theory of the ministry always shatters itself against the inalienable right of in vistas promising and gleaming God to choose whom he pleases as his messengers.” Parkin, “A Woman’s Place?,” 14. the beautiful and true redeeming, 6. Currently, in the USA Eastern School for Officer Training in Suf- in anthems mute and long forgotten fern, N.Y., the average age of male cadets is 35 and of women 32. In the Cen- tral USA CFOT located in Chicago, Ill, the average age is somewhat less. by the Spirit once begotten 7. Harold Hill, “The Salvation Army Officer: A Case Study in Cleri- calization” (Ph.D. diss., Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand, music from a distant shore 2004), 223ff. By 1886, the regulation, though less than clear, intimates what later would become policy—that both husbands and wives were we exult to hear once more. expected to share in a common calling and were to be trained and com- We shall know the One who bore us, missioned as officers. 8. The covenant is signed by every cadet in a solemn Service of Cov- faithful intercessor for us. enant at the conclusion of a two-year training program. The text begins, Oh, through dim and dreary skies, “Called by God to proclaim the Gospel of our Lord and Savior Jesus see the vision crystallize! Christ as an officer of The Salvation Army, I bind myself to Him in this solemn covenant. . . .” 9. Richard Munn, “Salvation Army Married Officer Leadership: For RUTH HOPPIN is author of Priscilla’s Letter: Finding the Au- Such a Time as This” (D.Min. diss., Gordon-Conwell Theological Semi- thor of the Epistle to the Hebrews, the Spanish nary, 2004), 96. edition of which will soon be available from 10. Deacons Now: Report of the Working Party Concerned with Wom- Lost Coast Press. Her poems have appeared en in Ordained Ministry 1990 (London: The Advisory Council for the in The Christian Communicator, Review of Lan- Church’s Ministry, 1991), 85. guage and Culture, US Update, Christian Medita- 11. Munn, “Salvation Army Married Officer Leadership,” 96. tion Newsletter, and many other publications. 12. Hill, “The Salvation Army Officer,” 221. 13. From the international mission statement of The Salvation Army. Author photo by John Swanda Fire photo by Dylan McMullin, Freerange Stock Online: http://www.salvationarmy.org.

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