Salvationists gather for global talks
Casey O’Brien, from the Australia Eastern Territory, poses for a selfie with General André Cox, and Commissioner Silvia Cox at the Global Conversation conference. (Photo courtesy of IHQ Communications)
More than 200 delegates from every territory of The Salvation Army recently gathered in Orlando, Florida, to discuss the way forward for the organisation.
The Australia Eastern Territory sent delegates along from varying services to the four-day conference in late March.
Major Julie Alley, Director of the International Development Office in the Australia Eastern Territory, attended the conference. She says there was a strong focus on The Salvation Army’s concept of ‘one army, one mission, one message’ on the global scale.
“The worldwide Salvation Army, at different points in time, were all in the same room at the one time, and they all got it. It didn’t matter whether they spoke English or not. They got it. They understood that to be a powerful force, we have to partner. We can’t just do it all on our own,” says Major Alley.
“To me it was like everyone was singing the same song, hearing the same message and receiving the same message.
“I don’t believe that was just from the people speaking at the conference. That was from God.”
Throughout the conference, 12 sessions were held where delegates gathered in small focus groups. The groups discussed topics such as our views on human trafficking and immigration, work in developing countries, and what The Salvation Army looks like in the 21st century.
Delegates also gathered together for talks from special guests, including General André Cox.
Casey O’Brien, Australia Eastern Territory Social Justice Coordinator said it was a privilege to attend the conference. She felt incredibly blessed to be in the same room with so many Salvation Army employees, soldiers and officers from around the world.
“We in the Australia Eastern Territory are so blessed in terms of resources. It was incredible to hear of some of the struggles that our fellow Salvationists deal with on a daily basis,” says Ms O’Brien.
“I feel my knowledge and understanding of The Salvation Army International has grown immensely. I’m really grateful to have had the opportunity to attend this meeting.”
To read more about the topics discussed at the Global Conversation conference, visit salvationarmy.org/ihq/globalconversation
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