No Uniform? No Problem.

Exclusive. A word often used to describe The Salvation Army due to its ‘soldiership’ membership. Now don’t get me wrong, I love my church but for many years, being a ‘Senior Soldier’ was your only ticket into the band, the songsters (singing group) and taking part in major events - not really the reasons to become a soldier but they're enticing ey? I’m not a senior soldier, I never have been. Being an 'officers kid' (my parents work for The Salvation Army), this was a very difficult decision to make when turning 18 and majority of the church ‘expected’ your next step to involve going into uniform... maybe it was a bit of the rebel in me saying ‘Im not doing this because you’re expecting me to’ but a lot more of it was a personal decision that it’s never felt right, I’ve never yet felt that being a Senior Soldier is for me and I didn't feel comfortable doing it just to be in the sections when I personally enjoy a gin or prosecco from time to time! This has never been an easy decision and sometimes continues to be difficult, going against others expectations, watching the band play and songsters sing and not being able to be a part of it, able to go to practices but the barriers came up as soon as it was Sunday or an event. But worry not; things are changing!! In many Salvation Army corps (including the one I am a part of) the band and songsters are opening up, if you are an active member you no longer have to be a senior soldier or wear a uniform and it’s definitely been worth the wait! Today is Remembrance Sunday. The Salvation Army take part in Remembrance parades all over the country, but in London they march down all the busiest streets, stopping traffic and hold their own small service at the main cenotaph before marching back to Regent Street. When I arrived into central London this morning I had no idea that later that day I would myself be marching as part of The Salvation Army! A little apprehensive at first that pretty much everyone else on the march looked the same, all in their uniform or in a dark coat... me in my spotty jeans and brown coat (and if you know me well, you know I hate being centre of attention!!) - I felt a bit like a statement that said - we are inclusive, come and join us - you don’t have to wear a uniform!! Now this is not me saying ‘don’t go into uniform there’s no point’ , to some people it forms a huge part of their faith journey and when marching through London people recognise The Salvation Army straight away. But The Salvation Army is my church, just because I’m not a soldier does not mean I don’t belong and can't be a part of it and today was perfect for showing me that.