While looking at my Facebook page the other day I noticed a post by a Catholic radio station WNGL Archangel Radio that said:
“GET REAL! Don’t give to the Salvation Army at Christmas Time? Is that politically correct? There is no such thing anymore as “politically correct!” Salvation Army gives to Planned Parenthood! Is that PC???”
What? The Salvation Army giving money to Planned Parenthood to support abortion? I was totally unaware of that fact, although the post linked to an interview done almost a year ago (12/17/09) withDrew Mariani of Revelant Radio a Catholic Radio Network interviewing Douglas Scott of Life Decisions Interrnational. Seems like the Salvation Army has been on their “Dishonorable Mention” list for some time.
Here is a transcript of that interview from YouTube:
Of all the charities that I have been associated with, contributed to, or thought did a great job with their money, the Salvation Army would be at the top of a very short list. Heck, I’ve even rung the bell of the Army more time that I can count could over the years, as many Catholics have done both individually and through St. Vincent DePaul Societies, Knight of Columbus and other local parish organizations. I also know that the Salvation Army, while and International protestant denomination, does have local leadership in at each salvation Army post that either might not be aware of this fact, or might not participate in any contributions to Planned Parenthood.
What does the National Salvation Army say about abortion? Here is an excerpt from the official statement from the Salvation Army:
“The Salvation Army believes in the sanctity of all human life and
considers each person to be of infinite value and each life a gift
from God to be cherished, nurtured and redeemed. Human life is
sacred because it is made in the image of God and has an eternal
destiny. (Genesis 1:27) Sacredness is not conferred, nor can it be
taken away by human agreement.
The Salvation Army deplores society’s ready acceptance of abortion,
which reflects insufficient concern for vulnerable persons, including
the unborn. (Psalms 82:3-4)
The Salvation Army holds to the Christian ideals of chastity before
marriage and fidelity within the marriage relationship and, consistent
with these ideals, supports measures to prevent crisis pregnancies.
It is opposed to abortion as a means of birth control, family
planning, sex selection or for any reason of mere convenience
to avoid the responsibility for conception. Therefore, when an unwanted
pregnancy occurs, The Salvation Army advises that the
situation be accepted and that the pregnancy be carried to term,
and offers supportive help and assistance with planning.
The Salvation Army recognizes tragic and perplexing circumstances
that require difficult decisions regarding a pregnancy. Such
decisions should be made only after prayerful and thoughtful consideration,
with appropriate involvement of the woman’s family
and pastoral, medical and other counsel. A woman in these circumstances
needs acceptance, love and compassion. When an abortion has taken place,
The Salvation Army will continue to show love and compassion and to offer its
services and fellowship to those involved.”
(Source: The Caleb Report, May-June 2008)
So, what does this mean for Catholics? Do we discontinue contributing to the Salvation Army? Do we ask our local Salvation Army their position and then act accordingly? Or, do we continue to support the Army for ALL of the wonderful things they do and turn a blind eye to the possibility that they may be inadvertently support abortion?
I am personally at a loss! Any suggestions? How are you dealing with this information? Is this old news that I am just now discovering? Or is it a terrible attack on an organization that I have supported for years? Please share your comments and observations below. Maybe a few of you have already dealt with this, or have information that I have yet to discover. I’d appreciate your thoughts and comments.