News

It is with a great degree of sadness that The Salvation Army in Australia announces the passing of General Eva Burrows in Melbourne late last night (11.30 pm 20 March 2015). 

She was 85 years old. "General Eva" was world leader of The Salvation Army from 1986 until 1993 and the second woman in history to act as General.

The current General, Andre Cox has stated, "We give thanks to God for the life, inspiration and leadership of General Eva Burrows. Her life influenced the lives of countless people to shape The Salvation Army … across the world. I salute a true servant of God!"

Eva Evelyn Burrows AC was born in Newcastle on the 15th of September 1929 as one of nine children. She completed High School at Brisbane State High and went on to study a Bachelor of Arts (with majors in English and History) at The University of Qld, graduating in 1950.

A year later she began training as a Salvation Army Officer, which she continued for the rest of her life with appointments all around the world including Zimbabwe, Sri Lanka, Great Britain and Australia. General Eva was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) on Australia Day 1986 "In recognition of service to the temporal and spiritual welfare of the community and to social justice as the world leader of The Salvation Army".

In 1994 the AO was upgraded to Companion of the Order of Australia (AC). On January 1 2001 General Burrows received a Centenary Medal "for service to the Australian community". Commissioner Floyd Tidd from Australia Southern Territory says, "General Eva Burrows was an inspiring, respected and loved colleague with an exemplary record of international service for The Salvation Army. She was universally recognised as a very strong leader with a unique spiritual authority.

She will be sorely missed." In retirement she was an active, "hands on" worker at The Salvation Army 614 Project in Bourke Street Melbourne which caters specifically for the homeless and marginalised people of Melbourne city. Commanding Officer Major Brendan Nottle says "General Eva Burrows was the absolute epitome of what it means to be a true Salvation Army Officer. She was deeply interested and passionate about every aspect of people's being, no matter what level of society they were from.

Anyone that met her always felt valued, respected and deeply appreciated. On meeting her, they were always filled with hope and reminded that they are never forgotten & always loved."