Central Nova News

The Salvation Army is not backing down from its vow to diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives that have garnered criticism for the Christian-based organization.

In November of 2021, the organization established a program titled “Let’s Talk About Racism,” calling on White people to seek forgiveness for the sins of racism. Facing mounting criticism, the organization removed the program from its website stating that discussing the topic was voluntary. 

The organization Color Us United initiated a petition calling on "members of The Salvation Army in calling for a revocation of The Salvation Army’s 'Let’s Talk About Racism' curriculum."

“I wrote to follow up on their promise to release something different made at the end of last year and checking in on their progress, while reminding them caustic versions of DEI still exist in their company,” the organization’s President Kenny Xu told Central Nova News.

“The last thing Americans need is yet another organization implementing  DEI programming that only segregates us into groups of oppressors and  oppressed. What America needs is a positive reminder of all we have achieved when we come together to support honorable causes like the Salvation Army," Xu said. 

A Rasmussen poll reported that society’s reflection of the Salvation negatively rose from 11% to 41% upon learning of the  "diversity, equity and inclusion" plans with those who had seen the organization in a positive light dropping from 81% to 41%, according to the Washington Examiner.

Reservations arose because of the policy, especially during the holiday season with Charles Arsenault, a retired senior pastor from Springfield, Missouri's Evangel Temple Christian Center telling the Springfield Standard: “It appears that the general public is losing confidence in them. Thus, they must revert back to their roots and reject the forces advocating racist, divisive materials and recommit to Christ centered theology.”

The Washington Examiner also reported that because of the program, The Salvation Army saw a loss of 20,000 volunteer hours from its Red Kettle campaign, which accounts for 33% of the organization’s yearly donations.

The Salvation Army Commissioner Kenneth G. Hodder had no comment when questioned by a journalist how programs such as critical race theory has helped inner city youth, according to WFMZ.

“We have done our best to provide accurate information, but unfortunately, some have chosen to ignore those efforts," the organization stated. "At the same time, International Headquarters realized that certain aspects of the guide may need to be clarified. Consequently, for both reasons, the International Social Justice Commission has now withdrawn the guide for appropriate review."