What is The Salvation Army?

The Salvation Army is a Christian church and registered charity seeking to share the good news of Jesus and nurture committed followers of him. We also serve people without discrimination, care for creation and seek justice and reconciliation. We offer practical support and services in more than 700 centres throughout the UK. Go to salvationarmy.org.uk/find-a-church to find your nearest centre.

What is the War Cry?

The Salvation Army first published a newspaper called the War Cry in London in December 1879, and we have continued to appear every week since then. Our name refers to our battle for people’s hearts and souls as we promote the positive impact of the Christian faith and The Salvation Army’s fight for greater social justice.

War Cry

Issue No 7626

Editor: Andrew Stone, Major

Deputy Editor: Philip Halcrow

Production Editor: Ivan Radford

Assistant Editor: Sarah Olowofoyeku

Staff Writer: Emily Bright

Staff Writer: Claire Brine

Editorial Assistant: Linda McTurk

Graphic Designer: Rodney Kingston

Graphic Designer: Mark Knight

Email: warcry@salvationarmy.org.uk

The Salvation Army United Kingdom and Ireland Territory 101 Newington Causeway London SE1 6BN

Tel: 0845 634 0101

Subscriptions: 01933 445445 (option 1, option 1) or email: subscriptions@satcol.org

Founder: William Booth

General: Brian Peddle

Territorial Commander: Commissioner Anthony Cotterill

Editor-in-Chief: Major Julian Watchorn

SATURDAY 6 May 2023 will go down in history as the date when the eyes of much of the world watched the coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla.

Whatever an individual’s view of monarchy may be, the first crowning of a king in Westminster Abbey for 86 years is a milestone in the life of this King and the country. It will be particularly significant for those people who will be attending the ceremony, such as canons’ verger Andrew Campbell.

‘I’m looking forward to being at the coronation and to being a part of history,’ he says in this week’s War Cry. In the interview he also recounts the historical traditions of the day as well as describing the duties he usually carries out in his work.

It is noteworthy that the coronation takes place in a building dedicated to the worship of God, who is sometimes described by Christians as ‘the King of kings’. Yet within the Bible there are also instructions from one writer that Christians should pray for people in leadership.

‘You should pray for rulers and for all who have authority,’ he says. ‘Pray for these leaders so that we can live quiet and peaceful lives’ (1 Timothy 2:2 Easy-to-Read Version). It is, however, not just those who have a degree of power who should be prayed for. Before mentioning leaders, the writer says: ‘I ask that you pray for all people. Ask God to bless them and give them what they need’ (1 Timothy 2:1).

On a day such as today, many Christians will pray for the newly crowned King and Queen, asking God to help them successfully undertake their duties.

But it is good to be reminded that God does not only care for royalty or people in positions of power and influence. The love of the King of kings is available to everyone.