Last year, Queerty exposed two internal Salvation Army USA documents that lays out exactly how the religious org planned to battle the negative publicity from my campaign to get them to apologize for their anti-LGBTQ past.
After reading the memos describing their plan for a “strategy of containment” that includes whitewashing their past, confusing potential donors, and refusing to take responsibility for their horrendous history of discrimination, it seems appropriate to release exactly what they don’t want revealed: the public apology that the church leadership refuses to issue.
In two separate documents, the Salvation Army clearly is more interested in using PR spin to deflect attention and make LGBTQ people doubt whether or not the group’s history is worthy of an apology. In a 24-page memo titled “2014 Nondiscrimination Communications & Protocols,” the org’s public relations department spells out exactly how local and regional branches of the not-for-profit should respond to critics.
“In April 2013, The Salvation Army’s National Advisory Board adopted an aggressive issues management plan, with specific emphasis on addressing allegations of discrimination on on [sic] ongoing basis,” the document reads under a section marked “Preparations.” It notes that “The Salvation Army NHQ communications team and Richards Partners have held issue briefings and media training workshops in 2013 and 2014 for more than 150 of the highest ranking officers and respective public relations officials.”
How about we take this to the next level?
Our newsletter is like a refreshing cocktail (or mocktail) of LGBTQ+ entertainment and pop culture, served up with a side of eye-candy.
Sadly, the organization has been in constant communication with me in an attempt to duplicitously silence my campaign demanding an apology. In 2013, the group’s public relations team expressed interest in issuing the public apology to LGBTQ people that I requested, and asked me to write it for them. I did, and the team said they’d pass it on to national and regional leadership for approval.
As the months passed, the org stayed in touch with me and gave excuse after excuse as to why they hadn’t issued the apology yet. They didn’t want to put it out during the run-up to Christmas out of fear of offending the religious right. They didn’t want to put it out immediately after Christmas because it would seem patronizing to LGBTQ people. And they didn’t want to put it out during the summer months because they were suddenly having problems with the approval process. New leadership was in place, they said, and now they had to start all over again.
They knew they had a problem. They knew they needed to fix it. And they wanted to take responsibility and issue an apology. These new leaked documents expose just how untrue the breadcrumbs they tossed my way were.
Last year, the group’s social media team worked overtime to reach out to Facebook and Twitter users who shared my post or said anything negative about the church. One canned message used repeatedly is expressly given in the document as a “suggested Facebook post” for church members.
Instead of taking responsibility for their history of rampant discrimination, they encouraged their followers and staff to lie and deny.
The canned text reads:
“These accusations simply aren’t true. Since its founding nearly 150 years ago, The Salvation Army has lived out its mission: To meet human need in His name, without discrimination. People who come to the Army for assistance will be served according to their need and our capacity to help – regardless of race, gender, ethnicity, or sexual orientation.”
Another suggested posting goes even further in an attempt to deflect responsibility – and directly contradicts the last one. Instead of saying the claims “aren’t true,” in this version they “acknowledge” that discrimination happens “occasionally.”
It says:
“We acknowledge that because of our size and scope, occasionally, one of our millions of employees or volunteers might say or do something that does not reflect our true values. We address these incidents as soon as they arise. The Salvation Army believes that all people are equal regardless of sexual orientation or any other factor, including race, gender, and ethnicity.”
Just as the org is lying about the well-documented “accusations” of abuse, they also include links to articles published online that contain misinformation and obvious factual errors. The PR team also says that fact-checked reporting from the New York Times, New York Post, and other mainstream media outlets is “inaccurate.”
A quick check of court records and widespread national news belies their spin.
Now, with the group lying and trying to cover their tracks, it appears the Salvation Army USA will never issue the apology they asked my help in crafting. After the documents were leaked, I wrote to Communications Director Jennifer Byrd – with whom I’ve worked closely on the proposed apology – to ask if they were simply yanking me around in an attempt to keep me from beating the drum that they have a horrible history of discriminating against LGBTQ people.
There was no response.
It’s incredibly disappointing to see from the internal Salvation Army documents posted by Queerty that the org opted for a “policy of containment” instead of taking a proactive approach of working with the LGBTQ community to heal old wounds. Instead of “doing the most good,” the SA-USA opted to spin the truth and gloss over their extremely anti-LGBTQ past. I continue to hope that they’ll actually “do the most good” some day, but that obviously isn’t their priority right now.
Since the Salvation Army won’t publicly release the apology they asked me to prepare, I will. You can also read the 24-page memo yourself here [pdf] and be sure to head over to Queerty to read the extra memo they’ve printed on their site.
The next time the Salvation Army tries to tell you they “do the most good” and attempts to sell you their new pro-LGBTQ image in exchange for your red kettle donation, ask them to publicly apologize to LGBTQ people. Forgiveness begins with an apology.
Read the full apology below.
The Apology the Salvation Army Won’t Release
At the Salvation Army, we have always focused on the people society often overlooks – the disadvantaged, the sick, and the outcasts. We have stood for the basic theme of Jesus Christ’s teachings: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” No one is outside of forgiveness and salvation. In God’s eyes, we are all equal.
Unfortunately, we haven’t always given that unconditional love to our brothers and sisters in the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community. Instead of allowing God to judge people’s hearts, we took it upon ourselves to interpret God’s wishes and, as these situations always end, we were not as loving as Christ would want us to be. As we have reflected on our past actions and the painful stories the LGBTQ community has shared with us, we have realized that to truly be Christ-like, we must follow his example. The path to salvation lies through forgiveness.
The Salvation Army USA would like to apologize to the LGBTQ community for any hurt we may have caused in the past. Whether through the sin of omission or commission, we have done harm to countless of our brothers and sisters and we are truly sorry. We ask for the forgiveness of those whom we have hurt and pray that you will extend us the opportunity to prove ourselves anew. Being gay is not a sin, but being judgmental is.
As with most Christian denominations in the United States, we are evolving on how we handle LGBTQ issues. We are in the process of updating our policies and practices, but this is what we can pledge to do now. We have instituted a nationwide nondiscrimination policy for clients, volunteers, and employees that is inclusive of sexual orientation and gender identity. We now provide domestic partner benefits in all states and cities where required by law as well as states where same-sex marriage has been legalized – and are examining ways to expand these benefits nationwide while still holding true to our church values. We have removed all references to harmful “ex-gay” therapies from our literature.
Most importantly of all, we pledge to continue to listen and work with LGBTQ people to improve our services so we can do “the most good.” It is our prayer that together we can make the world a better place for everyone.
Brian JC Kneeland
They also won’t get any of my money! hate is not a Christian value!
Thaddeus Motyka
Vile hypocrisy
Dwight G Grogan
When you walk by them just say loudly, ” I’m sorry, I can’t give to charity, I’m a Republican!!”
Larry Dougherty
I will never give them a penny, Very unchristian of them, so I find people who deserve it, also tell them when they are standing out begging, why you wont give! there are plenty of religious orginazitions who deserve our giving.
Scott Ammarell
This is precisely why my coins will never be in their kettles!
Saskia Vreedenburgh Brink
What is the LBQ what0ever stand for
aliengod
The Salvation Army does great work and has helped countless thousands of people in desperate need. Why anyone would want to hinder that is unimaginable to me. I’ll donate every time I walk by a bell ringer and so should everyone else.
KentonForshee
The Salvation Army was stick their annoying bells where the sun don’t shine.
KentonForshee
@aliengod: The Salvation Army is not a charity, they are a church, and while they do help some people their primary mission is to spread their religion. As an gay atheist I will never give these anti-gay bible bashers, who have actively worked to hinder my equal rights, a single dime. They do not believe in a separation of church and state, and very little of the money given to them actually goes to helping people, it’s mostly going to their overhead, their non-profit tax free corporate entities, big wig salaries, and spreading their so called “good news” which is anything but “good” or “news”.
NoCagada
@aliengod: You live by your own “shoulds” and keep them to yourself. You have no business telling me or anybody else what they “SHOULD” do.
Jonathonz
I don’t think its a good idea to print that apology here since they never made it. It could get out and make some people believe they have apologized when they haven’t.
kevininbuffalo
@NoCagada: Who are you to tell anyone to keep their opinions to themselves. That’s why I could never be a liberal, I believe in freedom of speech for everyone. I will continue to give to the SA. I always have and I always will. Grow up, the world doesn’t revolve around your dick.
Learjet
I did p.r. and marketing for the state headquarters of The Salvation Army in Indianapolis many years ago and was fired two months in as soon as they found out about my sexual preferences.
I NEVER give them a dime. They disgust me. Yes, they do good for others, but only with strings attached and there are many many more charities out there that are more deserving of my money and volunteer time.
Michaelhs
Thank you for keeping vigilant here! When I published an article outlining the homophobia of the Salvation Army, they tracked me down, which was very creepy. https://hulshofschmidt.wordpress.com/2013/12/09/salvation-army-responds/
Thank you, again.
aliengod
@kevininbuffalo: Well said.
@Learjet: Why would you ever discuss your sexual preferences with your employer? No wonder you were fired.
hawkingbird
This is totally unbarable in itself but I also saw an add on tv the other day talking about how the salvation army has teamed up with chick ful A this holiday season to raise money for under privileged kids. Since chick fula A is known for its Homaphobia it’s safe to say that no longer care about offending the LGBTQ community. Sad
TampaBayTed
I know personally how exploitative this organization is. Any good works are merely a by-product from the efforts of some truly good people in the organization. Most of the upper echelon is bigoted and wallow in self interest.
onthemark
Those annoying bell ringers! This time of year I like to keep a few coins of “defunct” vintage in one pocket: worthless Italian lira, Spanish stuff that still has Francisco Franco on it, Soviet kopecks, and South Vietnamese DONG (lol, especially appropriate). Throw these into their buckets to gum up their works a bit.
Giancarlo85
@kevininbuffalo: I love freedom of speech as a liberal. And I have the freedom of speech to call you out on your bullshit. Stop acting as if freedom of speech protects your weak viewpoints from criticism. I am sorry but you are vile. So is your hypocrisy. You are donating to an antigay organization that only spreads religious beliefs.
You right wingers are the reason this country is so screwed up and you try to hide behind freedom of speech so you don’t have to face tough questions.
Minyassa
I’ve printed out a bunch of these “I’m not donating to you until you stop being a jerk” vouchers to put into Salvation Army kettles. http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2834/11312399583_c0c17b5483.jpg
GayEGO
The Salvation Army must get money from the Catholic Church and is embarrassed to admit they have discriminated against us, just like the BC dude depicted in the movie Spotlight who is embarrassed because he was making indirect comments as a cover up.
dean089
This news is only disappointing to those who know little or nothing about the Salvation Army. They’re known today for (allegedly) raising money for the poor via their bell ringers. However, this group began in the mid-1800s alongside many of our most extreme Christian sects. The “salvation” has nothing to do with helping the poor. It’s the Salvation Army, the salvation of your soul by way of an ultra-extreme interpretation of the Bible — and if you don’t accept that view the army will trample you down like the Satan-lover you obviously are. Give money to this organization and you might as well elect Pat Robertson for president.
wpewen
The Salvation Army simply does not do all that much long term problem solving. Their recovery programs tend to be overly restrictive, forcing participants to do work for the company AND MAKE THEM MONEY. When it comes to simple food handouts, soup kitchens, it could be done much better. They rely on a model that’s very old, had it’s place in the mid twentieth century. One more reason top tax rates need to go up to pre-Reagan levels and get the federal sector moving on providing these services. Once you put them in the hands of the churches anything can and usually does happen. I can almost guarantee a state run program would do better, despite the bullshit the GOP pushed on us about faith based charities. Literally, let the government take them over. And really look through how they use money.
onthemark
Avoid their thrift stores too, either buying or donating. There are always better thrift stores around.
Transiteer
I cannot give to the Salvation Army. I’ve been to funerals where they’ve conducted the service, and I’m offended by the comments made. Their hate trumps their mission. I’ll make my own donations to organizations that need it and do good work. And that’s NOT the Salvation Army.
John Allman
This is a story about a statement recanting its beliefs that the writer drafted, of what he’d like a certain religious organisation to say, which, entirely predictably, the organisation ignored.
The Salvation Army is Christian. It doesn’t believe in so-called “sexual orientation”. Why on earth expect anybody to say anything that simply makes no sense, in his world view?
http://JohnAllman.UK
Nat Jones
The
joyce27
This is a story about a statement recanting its beliefs that the writer drafted, of what he’d like a certain religious organisation to say, which, entirely predictably, the organisation ignored.
The Salvation Army is Christian. It doesn’t believe in so-called “sexual orientation”. Why on earth expect anybody to say anything that simply makes no sense, in his world view?
http://snaga-jobs.tk
Chris Vogel
The Salvation Army’s record here is the same as for the Roman Catholic church:
1. When decriminalization was being considered, both demanded that all homosexuals continue to go to prison, and
2. When anti-discrimination statutes or bylaws are being considered, both insisted that landlords be free to evict homosexual tenants, and employers be free to fire homosexual employees (and/or limit wages, promotions and benefits and whatever else they felt like), and
3. When marriage was being considered, the demanded that there be no legal recognition of the relationships between homosexual individuals or with their children.
Neither have ever, anywhere, at any time, done anything to encourage equal treatment of homosexuals.
They are bigots.
Glücklich
TL;DR
Don’t donate to ’em.
I give to my local museums. That’s enough.
Jamie Hincks
I can’t believe I ever volunteered and rang bells for those douchebags.
OzJosh
It’s also worth mentioning that the Salvation Army in Australia has been found to have covered up numerous incidents of child sexual abuse over many decades. In evidence to the Royal Commission into Institutional Child Abuse their attitude was every bit as bad, if not worse, than the Catholic Church. It’s all apologies now that they’ve been caught out, but they did nothing for decades when they knew who the abusers were and what they were doing. So it might be said that discrimination is the least of their crimes. And there is no reason to suppose abuse and cover-ups were not as commonplace in other Army outposts as they were in Australia. In short, the Salvos are a vile, hypocritical organisation. Please don’t donate money to them.
martinbakman
@Brian JC Kneeland: I agree. They will never get a cent from me. Their agenda has included anti-gay rhetoric. Screw them.
woodroad34
What was the response to “Going Clear” or Leah Remni’s book about the cult of Scientology? Exactly the same. It’s not reeeeeally working for them; is it? I feel sorry for the down on their luck people who have to ring the bells for this religio-corporate organization.
woodroad34
@Dwight G Grogan: Hah!
isoron
@John Allman: Of course I am sure the author is on the trail to force the Pope to apologize for the Churches beliefs.
Giancarlo85
Lets not talk about any of these issues… you’re offending the political right’s “freedom of speech”. You are impeding on them! If you even criticize anyone, it is violating their “freedom of speech”.
In fact none of you are allowed to criticize because that VIOLATES someone else’s freedom of speech.
I’m so sick of the political right, including some pinheads on here, thinking they can hide behind freedom of speech while espousing their vile shit. They then accuse us of “political correctness”. Anyone who throws that accusation has the reasoning and intellect of a child. They are not capable in actually defending themselves when others criticize them.
I take it we are supposed to lay down while getting screwed (and NOT IN A GOOD WAY!). I’d rather stand up and voice criticism. I’d certainly NOT sit down and shut up because of the fear that I’ll offend some overly sensitive idiotic conservative.
Sorry aliengod and kevininbuffalo, freedom of speech is a two way street. If you say something stupid, you’ll get criticized. If you can’t stand the heat get out of the kitchen.
aliengod
@Giancarlo85: That’s simply not so, Giancarlo. I’d be perfectly willing to allow you to spout whatever ultra liberal bullshit you’d like, without criticism. Will you do the same? I don’t think you’re capable. You resort to childish name calling and personal attacks with anyone who has a view different than your own. Freedom of speech means we can say what we’d like without persecution. Try it out. I’ll abide if you do. Let’s see how long you last.
Giancarlo85
I have countered all the nasty stupidity you have said on this site. Not surprising you are bitter at this time of year. Your views have no logic and no reason. You are a knee jerk reactionary. No one is persecuting you. Learn to differentiate between criticism and persecution. We on the left criticize in a constructive manner. You on the right persecute others by calling them “ultra liberal”, as if liberal is an insult.
scotshot
@kevininbuffalo: @aliengod:
Would someone actually explain how xtians are persecuted in America? Is it the fact that if your employer found out you are xtian that you would be fired? Might it be a landlord stating they won’t rent to you because you’re xtian? Could it be that until a few months ago you didn’t have the right to marry – which brings with it that you were also denied power of attorney concerning your partner’s health. Do people harass you on the street? When was the last time you were beaten up for being gay. The list goes on…..
Let’s add the big one to the lie/list: Have gay pastors called for all xtians to be executed unless they repent? Did gay candidates attending the Pastor’s religious conference say nothing which means they gave their tacit agreement to him because they didn’t say a thing?
Regarding free speech and racism: Did you hear about the black guy who was beaten up at a Trump rally to deny him free speech? At the same time he was called a N*****.
You two Trolls are free to me here at any time and spew venom. Keep in mind you can be barred for hate speech. That isn’t persecution. You show up and claim gays are full of hate speech towards xtians, when in actuality we don’t waste our energy on negative people. We pity you.
Don’t think that you’re telling us that you’re gay we believe you.
darian
@scotshot: Exactly. Lets not forget about the American pastor who flocked to Uganda to “help those poor unfortunate people” by sponsoring several kill the gays bill.
I wouldn’t even bring up that protester to anyone conservative/Republican. Everyone knows that guy was with those pesky black lives matter terrorist…..
That was sarcasm by the way.
scotshot
@darian: (-;
dwes09
@aliengod: You do that, straight boy. Gay folks could not care less. There are any number of organizations that serve our community without demanding that gay couples break up of forfeit their children. There are any number of organizations that will help the needy witout shoving their fundamentalist dogma down the throats of desperate people. but I would not expect you to understand that.
scotshot
@virginiahockey: You’re cherry picking. There are literally scores of laws that are no longer followed because it’s not convenient today. Kim Davis would be stoned to death six ways from Sunday for the number of serous biblical laws she’s broken.
dwes09
@aliengod: Freedom of speech mean s ONLY that you can voice your opinion without fear of harassment from the government, it does not mean you will not suffer logical consequences of your speech. Say stupid things and people will call you stupid. The First Amendment has nothing to say about that!
Got a brain? USE IT.
Tracy Pope
Long ago, when I was newly on my own and poor, the Salvation Army brought everything for a Thanksgiving dinner to my house. I’m sure someone who knew me submitted my name but I still have no idea who it was. The people from the Salvation Army didn’t insist I donate time to their cause or try to convince me to come to their religious services and they didn’t ask me if I was gay. They just said “This is for you, Happy Thanksgiving”. I have donated to the red kettle every year since and I likely will continue to for many years.
@aliengod:
There’s nothing in the First Amendment stating you are free from criticism. You used “persecution” but really that’s just a right-wing go-to word in the hope that it will garner some sympathy (though I must admit that someone using abusive language in their criticism does certainly come across as uneducated and unintelligent). In the First Amendment there’s only the guarantee that you can say – generally – pretty much anything you want without the government interfering. As someone who leans right (I’m taking a stab in the dark here) you do know what the actual words of the First Amendment are, right?
Transiteer
A hate filled organization that worships itself, and justifies it meanness on the teachings of a book of Fiction written by the Romans who intended it to calm the Jews down. Absurdity. Christianity is crap. (actually, all religions are – you don’t need them).
Cam
A bigoted organization run by overpaid bigoted executives.
Mykaels
An apology is worthless from a corporation: it will not right the wrongs of the past nor does it mean they will do better in the future. That said…
I wish they would issue an apology just so all these damn ‘triggered’ people can finally move on with their damn lives!
Tracy Pope
@Transiteer: I know it’s Queerty and nobody really cares much about the comments but please know what you’re talking about before you post something. I agree that religion has been an ugly invention used to control the masses but a good amount of what people call “The Bible” pre-dates the Romans by about 500+ years.
scotshot
@Tracy Pope:
The old testament of the bible predates the Roman Empire by several thousand years.
virginiahockey
You are asking them to apologize for being the Bible is the inherent, authorative Word of God and disavow the clear, consistent teaching of Christianity for Millenia. You are asking them to take a position that would place them outside of fellowship with the great majority of Christians and churches today. You are asking them to betray God and become non-Christian. It is never loving to abandon biblical commands.
Glenn Cheatham
I will never ever ever give this hateful cult a cent of my money!!!!!
Alistair Wiseman
@Dwight G Grogan:
You stated, “When you walk by them just say loudly, ” I’m sorry, I can’t give to charity, I’m a Republican!!”
The problem? It just isn’t true. There have been numerous studies that show conservatives not only give more money to charity, but they also give more of their time to charities.
Even the liberal New York Times weighed in on the discrepancy:
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/21/opinion/21kristof.html
http://www.thefiscaltimes.com/2014/10/17/Ten-Most-Generous-States-US
http://www.thefiscaltimes.com/2014/10/17/Ten-Least-Generous-States-US
Tracy Pope
@scotshot: Yes, I know. However, Malachi, the last book of the Old Testament, is thought by most biblical scholars to be written about 500 BC hence my use of “500+”. My point with Transiteer is that if you’re going to argue a point then go in with some knowledge. I think this is very important in the battle against religious extremists that would like to see equality – and us – disappear.
PLAYS WELL WITH OTHERS
Hate filled org that fought tooth and nail against NYCs Gay rights bill. I would sooner piss in one of their buckets than drop a single cent in one…….