The Salvation Army is a Christian church and registered charity providing services in the community, particularly to those who are vulnerable and marginalised. Motivated by our Christian faith, we offer practical support and services in more than 700 centres throughout the UK to all who need them, regardless of ethnicity, religion, gender or sexual orientation. To find your nearest centre visit salvationarmy.org.uk/find-a-church
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 7522
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 UK Territory with the Republic of Ireland 101 Newington Causeway London SE1 6BN Tel: 0845 634 0101 Helpline: 020 7367 4888 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 Mal Davies Published weekly by The Salvation Army ©The Salvation Army United Kingdom Territory with the Republic of Ireland ISSN 0043-0226 The Salvation Army Trust is a registered charity. The charity number in England, Wales and Northern Ireland is 214779, in Scotland SC009359 and in the Republic of Ireland CHY6399. Printed by Walstead Roche Ltd, St Austell, on sustainably sourced paper
Your local Salvation Army centre
INFO 2 • WAR CRY • 24 April 2021
EDITOR From the editor’s desk
THE Covid-19 restrictions that we have all had to live with over the past 13 months have affected us in a variety of ways. Although many people have found the lack of human contact difficult, it has encouraged some to take up new hobbies and interests. More than half the churches in the UK have seen an increase in the number of people who want to find out more about the Christian faith, according to an Evangelical Alliance report published during the pandemic. Not that interest in faith is a new phenomenon. People have been curious to learn more about others’ beliefs for many years. In this week’s War Cry, we speak with Ruth Gledhill, who was the Times religion correspondent from 1987 to 2014. During that time, she covered many significant religious events. In the interview, Ruth talks about her work and her motivation to report on matters of faith, saying: ‘It’s important that people understand what faith is and why people are moved to do extraordinary things in the name of religion.’ She adds: ‘All over the country, amazing work is being done by churches to feed those who are housebound, to run errands for people and to maintain a sense of community.’ One Christian who is carrying out some of that amazing work is Dawn Coleman. As we discover in this issue, Dawn runs a school uniform bank at Shipley Salvation Army. The concept is simple: parents donate items of school uniform that their children have grown out of and the bank makes it available – sometimes at no cost at all – for families who are struggling financially. Though straightforward, the scheme can have a dramatic impact on those it helps. ‘Most of them are pleased and grateful,’ Dawn says. ‘Other help that’s been offered to them has strings attached, whereas our criteria are flexible.’ Dawn’s story of being motivated by her faith to help others is inspiring. Perhaps it will encourage us to think about what we can do to help others.
FEATURES
CONTENTS
What is The Salvation Army?
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In the frame A look at potential Oscar winners
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Casting doubt Comedy podcast reassesses heroes
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One step at a time Choreographer recalls her career highlights
8 Asking the rite questions Former Times correspondent talks faith 10 School of thought How one mum’s idea has helped many parents
REGULARS
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War Cry World
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Team Talk
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Now, There’s a Thought!
14
Puzzles
15
War Cry Kitchen
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Front-page picture: ALAMY
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