New general elected to lead worldwide Salvation Army

Current World Leader of The Salvation Army, General André Cox, Commissioner Silvia Cox, General-Elect Brian Peddle, and Commissioner Rosalie Peddle.

Commissioner Brian Peddle has been elected as the 21^st General of The Salvation Army.

Commissioner Peddle, currently serving as Chief of Staff, was elected by a High Council of more than 100 Salvation Army commissioners from around the world who gathered in London.

He will assume the responsibilities of The Salvation Army’s world leader when the current General, André Cox, retires at midnight on 2 August.

Commissioner Peddle’s wife, Commissioner Rosalie Peddle, will assume the role of Salvation Army World President of Women’s Ministries.

“It’s my absolute pleasure to stand before you today and acknowledge the confidence that the High Council has placed in myself and in Commissioner Rosalie Peddle,” General-elect Peddle said.

“We are overwhelmed to say the least, but are deeply honoured and feeling somewhat unworthy by the momentous task that lies before us.

“We feel very much that we already love the international Salvation Army and it will not be difficult for us to embrace our diversity in our many countries and peoples around the world.

“We stand in front of you, the High Council, all of us so eager for God to move in a new way among us. We’re anticipating, with the commitment here at this High Council, that God will do amazing things around this international Salvation Army.

“We would ask very humbly for your prayers and support, as that would be the greatest and most wonderful gift you could offer us.

“Thank you to General André Cox and Commissioner Silvia Cox for leading us these past years. Your legacy is known to all of us and we are grateful.

“We pray that The Salvation Army internationally will go from strength to strength, that God Almighty will bless us in an incredible way, and that he will surprise us with his mighty power as we move into future.”

Commissioner Lyndon Buckingham has been appointed as the new Chief of the Staff, and Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham as World Secretary for Women’s Ministries.

By Simone Worthing