Paul O'Grady and the Sally Army

I think the Salvation Army is a great organisation, it always seems to BE THERE when something awful happens and support is needed. It is the only one I will give to on the street with collecting boxes. Every organisation has to have rules, and if theirs is that gay relationships are not acceptable to them, then that it is a rule. There are Salvation Army families, so obviously celibacy is not expected. I remember a long while ago we had a lovely SA lady lived in our road, she was really quite fat, but very jolly, and always had her had hat an angle. She used to open up he front room to any children who wanted to join her on a particular afternoon, can't remember which one, and she taught as to sing "A Sunbeam, A Sunbeam, Jesus wants me for a Sunbeam".

Paul as Lily "Im celibate, sell a bit here, sell a bit there!" Brilliant

I could be a "soldier" though, not been near a guy in 10 years, forgot what one looks like!

Sally Army are to be congratulated on some of the important work they do, but I can't help but feel they are always on the lookout to 'recruit' new members to their religious community. A community that is clearly not very gay friendly. Funnily enough I have just been listening to James Corden on Desert Island Discs. His parents were Sally Army but he described the church as 'insular' and not very Christian in many of their attitudes.They also have this very hierarchical and quasi military system that I find weird.....

Paul O'Grady is brilliant, and very pro equality ( and anti BS!) I wonder why he chose to do this programme....?

Isn't the thing about accepting gay people into the congregation, but only if they stay celibate, the same in all the Chritian churches? I think it is the actual rule, but in the less narrow minded ones a blind eye is cast.

I've never thought about that in relation to the Sally Army. I feel disappointed.

Only single people have to be celibate. Obviously gay people in committed relationships don't count as a couple.

I have a great deal of respect for the Salvation Army. They do wonderful work for the underprivileged.

When I was a PGCE student on school placement, I had digs with a couple who were in the Salvation Army. They were wonderful, welcoming, warm and made my stay a home from home.

X

I assume it's only gay people who have to be celibate - a near neighbour was a soldier and he and his wife had children.

Oh sorry, I misunderstood, I hadn't realised celibacy was a condition of membership, I didn't know that.

He can be part of their community but not a member. The Commissioner tried to explain it but it just sounded like waffle to me. Poor Paul. He does so brilliantly and looked so crestfallen when he heard.

Just watched this and felt so upset by the plight of those people . Paul was wonderful and accepting of the rules that you have to be celibate to be a "soldier " but that anyone can get involved and volunteer . I just had to donate on line after watching the desperation in some of the faces .

What???

So much for them being 'totally non judgemental' Must be only about some of the people they help...and accept donations from.

Latest programme was excellent again. He was very brave about them not accepting him for membership due to him being in a gay relationship. Their loss I reckon! He's a gem.

Wonderful programme. So intensely practical. I envy them.

The Salvation army don't only preach about loving their neighbours,they do something about it. We always give to them if they are collecting. I prefer people charities to animal ones ....ducks down quickly.

I always try to respond to their special appeals, they seem to be totally non judgemental about the people they help.

It is the one of the two charities I support on a regulsr (planned) basis the other one being The Smile Train. The SA do some very good work and the staff are full time officers who are living the philosophy.
My commitment to the Smile train is because my first GD was born with an horrendous cleft lip and palate and gets all her treatment on the NHS but that is a diversion and a personal crusade.

Paul himself was an absolute natural. What a nice man -although I bet he'd deny that!

I didn't see it, but yes, I could certainly wash the feet of homeless people. Presumably the feet were in a bowl of soapy water?

I have great respect for the Salvation Army and its members.

I'm full of admiration for all they do. As for washing the feet of homeless people. I'm wondering if I could

Damn I forgot it was on, they are a heaven sent organisation