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Women's Ministries Centenary Message
 William Booth, Founder of The Salvation Army, had a big heart of compassion. He was known to shed tears over the suffering of humanity. The women in his life shared this vision. Catherine, his wife, along with her daughters and daughters-in-law, longed for women to be empowered and offered inclusion by The Salvation Army. The Army is a place where they can shed their tears of spiritual longing, repentance, sorrow and joy - and find acceptance, faith for the future and opportunities for Christian service. It is in this spirit that one hundred years of women's ministries will be celebrated and a logo for the year 2007 is offered. The teardrop represents a softened heart. The phrase 'while women weep...' has been translated into many languages. In English, the international language of the internet, the initials are www. This is a challenge to us all, that even in modern days, women need the network - the world wide web - of The Salvation Army.
Women's Ministries has been an area of vibrant activity and witness for the Gospel since its launch in 1907. The most recent surveys show more than 500,000 members in the various groups. The Home League, which is the basis of Women's Ministries, peaked at 431,000 in 1995. It is our prayer that on the eve of the centenary year there will be more tears of joy than tears of sorrow; that there will be tears of laughter as well as tears of pain; but most of all, that joys and griefs alike will be shared in the many fellowships around the world. May the Founder's fighting spirit - to work and pray for a better life for all - continue to be a hallmark of Women's Ministries in every land.
The General and World President of Women's Ministries |