Salvation Army begs for help in Detroit amidst “gay” boycott

The Salvation Army is facing a difficult season, first homosexuals are boycotting giving to the group and now donations in Detroit are so bad the organization is issuing an “urgent plea” for help.

The Salvation Army in Detroit had set a goal of raising over $8.2 million this year to help the needy. To date the organization is over $5 million from reaching its goal.

Major Mark Anderson, general secretary and metro Detroit area commander for The Salvation Army of Metro Detroit said, “With 16.8 percent of Michigan residents living in poverty — the highest percentage in four decades — we simply can’t afford to miss making our goal of $8.2 million this year.”

Rick Snyder, Governor of Michigan says the Salvation Army is the largest provider of social services in the state, making their fundraising issues that much more alarming.

The Salvation Army is also facing a boycott from “gay” groups who are upset that the organization does not offer same-sex benefits to its employees.

Jennifer Byrd, National Public Relations Director for the Salvation Army said the group helps all of those in need regardless of sexual orientation and they do not ask for proof they are straight as a condition of obtaining service.

“The Salvation Army is open and inclusive to all people. Anyone who comes through our doors will receive help based on their need and our capacity to assist. We serve around 30 million Americans in need each and every year from a variety of backgrounds – we do not pick and choose who we serve based on religion, sexual orientation or any other factor,” Byrd said “This promise to serve goes to the core of our beliefs as laid out in our organizational Mission Statement: ‘The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.’ Any instance of discrimination is in direct opposition to our core beliefs and is against all of our policy.”
The facts are wrong when it comes to the position of the gay and lesbian community on the Salvation Army. They aren't boycotting over simple partner benefits for employees. Though that is important, the boycott is about the Salvation Army using DONATIONS to pay LOBBYISTS who actively campaign against things like same sex marriage and the gay and lesbian community in general. In spite of saying they don't discriminate... there are documented cases of people who were turned away because they did not "fit the bill" to be helped. Action speaks louder than words, and the Salvation Army has a very long history of anti-gay action. There are plenty of other charities to donate your hard-earned money to, charities that don't discriminate. THAT is the message of the boycott.