It is aligned with the Wesleyan-Holiness movement. The organization reports a worldwide membership of over 1. Its founders sought to bring salvation to the poor, destitute, and hungry by meeting both their "physical and spiritual needs".
It is present in countries, [4] running charity shops , operating shelters for the homeless , and disaster relief and humanitarian aid to developing countries. The theology of the Salvation Army derives from Methodism , although it differs in institution and practice; an example is that the Salvation Army does not observe sacraments. As with other denominations in the Holiness Methodist tradition, the Salvation Army lays emphasis on the New Birth first work of grace and entire sanctification second work of grace.
The Army's doctrine is aligned with the WesleyanβArminian tradition, particularly the holiness movement. The Army's purposes are "the advancement of the Christian religion It can trace its origins to the Blind Beggar Tavern. In , Booth reorganized the mission, becoming its first general and introducing the military structure, which it has retained as a matter of tradition. In the United Kingdom , the Salvation Army is no longer the largest non-governmental provider of social services; however, it still provides a significant service to people in need.
The Salvation Army refers to its ministers as "officers". When they are acting in their official capacities, they can often be recognized by the colour-coded epaulettes on their white uniform dress shirts. The epaulettes have the letter " S " embroidered on them in white. Promotion in rank from Lieutenant to Major depends primarily on years of service. Officers are given Marching Orders to change ministries within the Salvation Army. Usually, officers are given new marching orders every two to five years and reassigned to different posts, sometimes moving great distances.
The Salvation Army permits the ordination of women. Salvation Army officers were previously allowed to marry only other officers this rule varied in different countries ; but this rule has been relaxed in recent years. Husbands and wives usually share the same rank and have the same or similar assignments.
