Salvation Army opens new UK and Ireland headquarters

The Salvation Army has officially opened its new UK and Ireland Territory headquarters in south London.

The building was specially constructed after the Church and charity sold its previous headquarters in Elephant and Castle, in central London, in 2020.

The Elephant and Castle building was sold to developer Rockwell after The Salvation Army reached the conclusion that much-needed repairs would be too expensive.

The Salvation Army said its new headquarters in Denmark Hill has been designed using the latest environmental and energy efficiency standards, meaning it will have significantly reduced running costs.

Territorial Commander for the UK and Ireland, Commissioner Anthony Cotterill, said, "Ensuring local mission can flourish was at the heart of every decision we made about this new building.

"The main purpose of the teams that work at our headquarters is to support our worship and mission in communities across the UK.

"Our focus is always supporting the church leaders on the ground who are providing vital services such as stocking up our foodbanks, running homeless outreach support or providing company for lonely and isolated people."

The site of the new headquarters is next door to The Salvation Army's William Booth College, where it trains its officers, and is on land that already belonged to the Church.

The building was officially opened by international leaders, General Lyndon Buckingham and Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham, World President of Women's Ministries.

Guests included church leaders from other denominations - Dr Anna Krauss, Council of Lutheran Churches in Great Britain, Paul Hendricks, Roman Catholic Auxiliary Bishop of Southwark, and Rowena Loverance, Convenor of Churches Together in England.

A plaque was unveiled during the inauguration ceremony bearing the inscription "This building is dedicated to the glory of God", as well as the words "Let light shine out of darkness" from 2 Corinthians 4:6, and "And in this place I will bring peace" from Haggai 2:9.

News
Irish archbishops urge peace and reconciliation amid Drumcree stand-off
Irish archbishops urge peace and reconciliation amid Drumcree stand-off

Ireland’s Catholic and Church of Ireland archbishops have appealed for an “urgent” initiative to resolve the Drumcree parade dispute and asked Christians to pray for peace. 

Former priest Chris Brain convicted of rape as Church review set to begin
Former priest Chris Brain convicted of rape as Church review set to begin

Former Church of England priest Chris Brain has been convicted of rape and four counts of indecent assault following a retrial. 

Franklin Graham preaches with warning from Sodom in Manchester
Franklin Graham preaches with warning from Sodom in Manchester

Franklin Graham used the biblical story of Lot’s flight from Sodom to urge thousands in Manchester on Saturday night to seek forgiveness through Christ and accept His gift of salvation.

More than 4,200 Christians killed in Nigeria this year - report
More than 4,200 Christians killed in Nigeria this year - report

More than 4,200 Christians have been killed in Nigeria so far this year, according to a new report calling for stronger action to protect communities facing violence across the country’s Middle Belt.