Has the time come for the Army to enable married couples to pursue separate callings? by Major Victor J. Cyr, as found in 'The Horizons' issue of September/October 2005. "The Lord says 'Do not cling to the past or dwell on what happened long ago. Watch for the new thing I am going to do. It is happening already you can see it now!'..."-Isaiah 43:18-19 GNB

Recently I had the privilege of being a member of a divisional focus group that looked at the important matter of single spouse officership. As most Salvationists are already aware, when a married individual wishes to be an Army officer, it is required the spouse be a part of that same calling as well.

The primary purpose of the focus group was to brainstorm and determine what ramifications could arise should the Army, as an organization, move toward a system that permits one married partner to be an officer while allowing the spouse to be a non-officer.

The focus group, made up of officers and lay people, was presented with different scenarios to stimulate our thinking. Without exception, everyone in the group agreed the time to permit single spouse officership had now arrived and that there is certainly no biblical injunction that should prevent such a calling.

This new system of one spouse officership is already up and running in the U.K. territory and has had no adverse impact. Now that the Canada and Bermuda Territory has accepted this policy for the ranks of lieutenants, I believe we need to go the next step and incorporate this to cover all ranks within the Army.

Although there are great advantages in having both husband and wife in ministry team leadership, this should not impede couples where only one wishes to become an officer. Single spouse officership would allow a former officer to be reaccepted without the spouse being required to follow suit. Where a married officer resigns or is terminated, the spouse might be given the option of retaining their officership. If an officer must retire due to age or poor health, the spouse may be permitted to continue to serve in their calling. It would also allow a single active officer to marry a non-officer.

Some concerns were raised in regard to what standard the non-officer spouse should be required to follow:

• Must they be a soldier or member of the Army, or can they simply be a professing believer of the Christian faith?


• Would they be willing/required to move to a new location when the officer spouse receives transfer orders?


• Would they be prepared to live in an officer's quarters if their combined income enabled the couple to afford a more expensive place to live?


• How would our corps/community churches accept this new leadership arrangement?


• What kind of expectations would be placed upon the non-officer spouse by the congregation at large?

Though these issues will continue to provoke debate, I believe these questions and others like them will be reasonably worked out on an individual basis with each couple as they consider this lifestyle choice.I commend our leadership for showing vision by adapting to changing circumstances in our culture while still maintaining the core values that will determine our effectiveness in the years to come. May we, as a Movement of God, be continually ready to embrace change and to allow it to bring renewed vitality and vigour to our desire to faithfully serve the Lord.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Single Spouse Officership?
Single Spouse Officership (SSO) refers to an active officer of The Salvation Army who is married to a non officer,

• Whether only one spouse was trained and commissioned,


• Or whether through the reacceptance of one spouse only of a former officer couple,


• Or whether through reacceptance of a former single officer who has married since leaving officership,


• Or whether through voluntary resignation of one spouse of an officer couple,


• Or whether an officer chooses to marry a non officer.

"Single Spouse Officership (retirement option)" refers to SSO-like scenarios which are produced by the retirement of one officer spouse. The difference is that the "retirement option" SSO is married to a retired officer (not a non officer spouse).

"SSO (retirement option)" has two scenarios:

• For those desiring to retain officership while the officer spouse retires at normal retirement age, and


• For those desiring to retain officership while the officer spouse retires before normal retirement age.

Single Spouse Officership will be considered a full time position.

Why is Single Spouse Officership being offered?
Throughout Salvation Army history our unique position on married officer ministry, i.e. both spouses equally called, trained, ordained and commissioned, has been a great strength. The model of service where an officer is married to an officer will continue to be encouraged and endorsed in this Territory.

The Salvation Army International Commission on Officership (2000) opened the door for Christian ministry and spiritual leadership for those called by God, but whose spouse does not share the same calling to ministry.*

SSO will broaden access to officership for those who are married to non officer spouses.* SSO celebrates individual calling to ministry as officers in The Salvation Army and requires that each candidate for SSO be evaluated on their own merit.

SSO (retirement option) facilitates continuance of service by the active officer when his/her officer spouse retires at normal age or retires early.

* In the case of SSO (retirement option) the single spouse officer is married to a retired officer spouse.

When will Single Spouse Officership be offered?
In July 2005 The Salvation Army International Headquarters approved Single Spouse Officership as policy for the Canada and Bermuda Territory. Extensive input and dialogue on this concept at every level of The Army has prepared this Territory to launch SSO in May 2006.

During the first four to five months of 2006 the preparation of policies and procedures to accommodate SSO will be completed. Sometime after April 30th Divisional Commanders and Department Heads will release information and establish interviews with interested Salvationists. Timing is important. All applicants for SSO must allow time for an extensive interview and evaluation process.

What is the application process?
The application process starts with a written request to the Divisional Commander or Department Head asking for consideration as a single spouse officer.

An interview with the applicant and the non applicant spouse (or spouse to be) will be arranged.

Divisional commanders and Department Heads will be able to detail the numerous steps in the SSO application process.

Officers who are currently in active service and former officers should not assume that application for SSO will be approved automatically. A significant review will be part of the application process. The Salvation Army wants to ensure the very best candidates for SSO in this Territory, so that our mission will be accomplished

How will Single Spouse Officership function in a corps/community church setting?

• In some cases corps are already used to 'single officer' leadership, so the adjustment to SSO will not be as significant.


• In other corps settings where an officer couple usually provides leadership, SSO may be a significant change, requiring a reassignment of responsibilities which an officer spouse once performed.


• Some corps are no longer able to sustain financially two full time officers (a married couple). In these corps SSO may provide financial relief.


• A change of appointment for the spouse who becomes the remaining SSO officer may be necessary

What will be the role of the non officer spouse?
The non officer/retired officer spouse will possess a thorough understanding of The Salvation Army, its mission and values and its officer appointment system. The nature of officership as a spiritual covenant rather than a contract with The Salvation Army must be understood and affirmed. He/she must sign a 'declaration' of support for the officer spouse's ministry and a willingness to relocate with the officer spouse as part of the Army's appointment process.

The non officer/retired officer spouse must be a senior soldier of The Salvation Army 'in good standing'. This person will share the same commitment as his/her officer spouse to The Army's mission, values, beliefs and lifestyle.

Divisional Commanders and Department Heads will provide a copy of the 'Manual of Guidance for Single Spouse Applicants' to interested persons when an interview date is established. This manual will address questions and detail the application process.

For additional information contact
The Salvation Army Officer in charge In your area

Personnel Department
FAQs document (PDF click here)