New General of the Salvation Army Elected

On Saturday 27 May 2023, the High Council of the Salvation Army, meeting near London, elected Commissioner Lyndon Buckingham to serve as the 22nd General (international leader) of the movement. Commissioner Buckingham, who is a native of New Zealand, has been serving as Chief of Staff of the movement since 2018.

The Catholic Church and the Salvation Army have been active participants in ecumenical fellowships and events for many years. They have also maintained strong bilateral links. Following a first round of conversations between 2007 and 2012, a new round of Informal Conversations commenced in November 2022 on the theme of Discipleship for Mission. On that occasion, the participants in the conversations visited the Salvationist International Headquarters, and were warmly received by Commissioner Buckingham.

The Dicastery for Promoting Christian Unity extends its prayerful good wishes to the General-elect, who will officially succeed General Brian Peddle on 3 August 2023.