Symbols
Shield
The Red Shield is the internationally recognised symbol of The Salvation Army’s service. The colour red reminds us of the salvation that is available to all through the blood of Jesus Christ. It symbolises the “fight” for life on a “spiritual battlefield” and that God is the shield that protects and saves us. It also reminds us that believers are called to protect others through their service.
Crest
The Salvation Army Crest was originally designed by Captain William Ebdon in 1878. . That year, the Christian Mission officially became the Salvation Army. The crest consists of 7 symbols reflecting the core doctrinal teachings of The Salvation Army, its beliefs and its mission as a Church and organisation.
The sun in the centre represents the light and fire of the Holy Spirit. The cross in the centre – the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. The letter ‘S’ stands for Salvation. The two swords signify the “war of salvation”. The seven dots at the bottom of the circle represent the truth of the gospel. The crown at the top of the crest represents the crown of glory that Salvation Army members believe God bestows on the faithful. The motto “Blood and Fire” speaks of the blood of Jesus shed on the cross to atone for the sins of mankind, and the fire of the Holy Spirit that makes holy and strengthens believers.
Flag
The Salvation Army flag can be seen in every country where the Salvation Army serves. The very first flag was planted in front of Catherine Booth at Coventry Corps in England. The design has changed a bit since then. Its design is symbolic of the Salvation Army’s faith.
The colour blue signifies God’s holiness and the holy life to which believers are called. The colour red represents the blood of Jesus Christ shed for our sins. The colour yellow means the power and fire of the Holy Spirit. The motto “Blood and Fire” unites our faith. The flag is not an object of worship, but a symbol of respect.
Corps
Corps is the title used by the Salvation Army to designate a church building. The corps is led by an officer. Members can become soldiers by signing a pledge, or civilians by recognizing The Salvation Army as their church. Soldiers who have taken on a specific service in the Corps can become sergeants.
Uniform
The Salvation Army uniform remains one of the most visible and distinctive attributes of the organisation. The uniform was formally adopted in 1878. . It was noticed at the time that the uniform freed the wearer from many temptations. A soldier believes that he cannot play with sin while dressed in uniform without bringing bad reputation to the Army and dishonour to God. Many people, when they saw someone they knew in uniform, did not approach him with suggestions to do evil, expecting that, as a member of the Salvation Army, he would not do it anyway. In everyday life, it is a person’s witness to others of his or her choice, commitment, salvation.
Ranks: blue shoulder: soldier; blue shoulder with stripe: cadet; red shoulder: officer; one star: lieutenant; two stars: captain; crest: major or above.