PE1239/B General: Shaw Clifton Territorial Commander: Commissioner John Matear The Office of The Scotland Secretary Direct Dial: 0131 440 9130 Email: [email protected] Ref: N:\Scotland Secretary\letter\ Public Petition The Salvation 24 April 2009 Franck David Army Public Petitions United Kingdom The Scottish Parliament Territory Edinburgh with the Republic EH99 1SP of Ireland Dear Franck , PUBLIC PETITION PE 1239 The Salvation Army welcomes the invitation to comment on this petition by Nick Henderson, on behalf of the LGBT Network. We recognise that this is a controversial issue that needs discussing on a number of levels. We note that the petition is in two sections. In particular we welcome the recognition, in the second part of the petition that it will be up to each religious body to decide for itself what action it might wish to take following any amendment to the Marriage (Scotland) Act 1977. This is important for The Salvation Army as a denomination working within the legal jurisdictions of Scotland and England. We recognise that this petition envisages a two stage process. The second stage of the process is one for the Church to decide and we welcome the division of the two. Yours sincerely (sent electronically) The Scotland Office 12a Dryden Road Loanhead, Midlothian EH20 9LZ Tel: 0131 440 9130 Alan Dixon Mobile 07914 050580 Major alan.dixon@salvationarmy,org,uk ASSISTANT TO THE SCOTLAND SECRETARY www.salvationarmy.org.uk ______________________________ c.c. Colonel Bill Cochrane, Chief Secretary a Christian Church and registered charity Lieut-Col Robert McIntyre, Scotland Secretary The Salvation Army Registered Charity Tim Stone, Public Affairs Officer No: 214779 and in Scotland SC009359 Founder: William Booth With heart to God and hand to man .