International Headquarters farewells retiring leaders
General André Cox speaking during the farewell for Commissioners William and Nancy Roberts.
Officers, staff and visitors gathered at International Headquarters this week to bid farewell to the Chief of the Staff Commissioner William Roberts and World Secretary for Women's Ministries Commissioner Nancy Roberts.
Tributes focused on the retiring leaders' warmth and friendliness, but also on their dedication to serve God in The Salvation Army.
The Roberts' officership has included service in USA Central – their home territory – along with territorial leadership in South America East (Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay) and Kenya West. They served as International Secretary for Business Administration and IHQ Chaplain from 2005-2008 and as USA national leaders from 2010-2013.
General André Cox said the Chief and Commissioner Nancy had been “outstanding Salvation Army officers”, a thought echoed in a prayer by Major Margaret Booth (Personal Assistant to the World President and Secretary of Women's Ministries) when she thanked God for their “faithfulness and obedience”.
The congregation included past and present staff and officers from IHQ, including former international leaders Commissioner Gisèle Gowans, General John Larsson (Ret.) and Commissioner Freda Larsson, and General Shaw Clifton (Ret.).
Adding her own tribute before presenting a book of letters of appreciation received from around the world, Commissioner Silvia Cox (World President of Women's Ministries) spoke of the “wealth of experience and expertise” that Commissioner Nancy had brought to women's ministries at IHQ and around the world.
In responding, Commissioner Nancy took the congregation back to when she first met The Salvation Army as a volunteer, explaining that it won her heart. In more than 45 years as an officer, she said: “Each appointment has provided many opportunities. My belief in God has grown stronger.” She said she had been “blessed beyond measure” and described the two years back at IHQ as a “wonderful way to draw to a conclusion to our officership”.
Commissioner John Wainwright (International Secretary for Business Administration) spoke about the Chief's “outward calm and grace”. He praised the care that the Chief takes over everything, including the spiritual messages he is often asked to give.
The Chief, directed his final thanks to his wife,. Obviously moved, he told her: “We have been comissioners together.”
Their retirement meeting, conducted by the General, will take place on Saturday 31 October (2.30pm Eastern Standard Time) at Dearborn Heights Citadel, USA Central Territory, and will be streamed live on salvationarmymedia.tv.
Report courtesy of IHQ.
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