Launch of New Core Values

On January 10, 2019, The Salvation Army in Canada and Bermuda unveiled its new core values―four statements to guide decision-making and organizational behaviour.

“Core values help us to determine if we are on the right path,” says Commissioner Susan McMillan, territorial commander. “They are an unwavering guide that we can turn to when we’re faced with difficult questions. They are grounded in Scripture and in God’s call upon our lives.”

“Core values help us to determine if we are on the right path .”

The first formal statement of values for The Salvation Army in Canada and Bermuda was created in 2003. In 2011, those 10 values were organized into core values of faith and operational values. 

More than three years ago, The Salvation Army’s Ethics Centre surveyed the territory’s adherence to and understanding of our values. While they discovered that overall we lived out our values, they identified the need to frame them in a way that resonates with everyone―from executive leadership to employees and volunteers.

“Values are both ‘who we are’ and ‘who we want to say we are,’” says Dr. James E. Read, director of the Ethics Centre. “They are ingrained in our DNA and an ideal that we continually strive for.”

“Values are both ‘who we are’ and ‘who we want to say we are.’”

As in the past, each value is accompanied by an associated “behaviour statement”―a short explanatory line that helps unpack the meaning and expectations behind the value.

HOPE―We give hope through the power of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

SERVICE―We reach out to support others without discrimination.

DIGNITY―We respect and value each other, recognizing everyone’s worth.

STEWARDSHIP―We responsibly manage the resources entrusted to us.

“I would encourage you to see these not only as corporate values―ones that represent the Army’s highest priorities―but as your values,” says Commissioner McMillan. “By owning them together we can provide a new context for how we live out The Salvation Army’s mission in the world.”