LETTERS
PETER OF THE PRIMARY MY dear mum (now in her 94th year and still enjoying the War Cry) has often wondered what happened to Peter of the Primary and whether any other readers remember him. As a child in Eccles, she recalls the War Cry being delivered each week to her family’s sweet shop. Peter was a character that featured in The Young Soldier and Mum would read the ‘interesting’ life that he led. She remembers he always seemed to be dashing about doing good deeds. He had a mop of blonde hair and shiny shoes. Of course, Mum outgrew Peter and went on to have her own family. Whatever happened to Peter? Although forgotten over the years, I suppose he will always be that busy little boy with blonde hair and shiny shoes! He certainly proved to be a good example to a little girl 85 years ago. Thank you, Peter! Vicky Welch Atherton MICHAEL AND PEGGY LOSE ‘PETER’
Above: 16 March 1940 Left: 15 August 1942
LOOK ONLY UNTO JESUS I AM disappointed with the lack of discernment when it comes to unbiblical things mentioned in Salvationist, such as Christian yoga (Salvationist 1 January), Lectio Divina (Salvationist 12 February) and a book celebrating Henri Nouwen (Salvationist 19 February). New things and ideas are not always a good thing if they cannot be measured up by the standard of Scripture. I love reading in Salvationist about all the wonderful things God is doing through The Salvation Army for his glory and seeing the gospel being proclaimed through the lives of our corps with the ultimate goal of seeing people coming to a saving and life-changing faith. This is The Salvation Army I signed up to be a part of. Keep looking only unto Jesus! Jenni Mayo Carnforth
LETTERS Many years ago General Frederick Coutts said letters in the Army’s press should be ‘carefully thought out and charitably expressed’. Letters may be edited and should ideally be no more than 300 words.
AN INSPIRING READ WHAT inspiring words from William McDonald in ‘The Salvation Army and me’ (Salvationist 5 February)! His honesty and willingness to share some of the difficulties he has experienced were extremely moving. In her article ‘Love God, love others’ (Salvationist 12 February), Colonel Jenine Main suggested we need to be more intentional about welcome, inclusion and hospitality. While it is heartening to know The Salvation Army as an organisation is thinking more intentionally about welcome, hospitality and inclusion, I would suggest that within our fellowships we should be asking whether we invest time and energy in getting to know others and realise their value. Croydon Citadel certainly do and have demonstrated great love towards William, who now lives in hope rather than despair. Many within our fellowships may not be aware that The Salvation Army recently launched the Race Inclusion Working Group (RIWG). I have been personally challenged by the words of Colonel Main and I pray that all Salvation Army fellowships will move towards not only loving God but also demonstrating, through inclusion, our love for others. Kate Cousins Middlesbrough
DRESS CODES THERE is a growing tendency these days for participants in sections to dress how they like. The responses are often ‘it’s the heart that counts’, ‘motivation is all that matters’ or ‘the Army needs to be all-inclusive’. But why can’t discipline and uniformity go along with those reasons? People who belong to a team generally conform to a dress code. I can’t imagine a footballer having a say on his outfit and saying, ‘I will choose my own kit.’ Even non-Army bands and choirs seem to favour a standard dress code. A friend said to me: ‘No caps, no headgear, no uniform, no Army.’ Cliff Kent Major Beckenham Salvationist 26 March 2022
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