What is The Salvation Army? The Salvation Army is a Christian church and registered charity seeking to share the good news of Jesus and nurture committed followers of him. We also serve people without discrimination, care for creation and seek justice and reconciliation. We offer practical support and services in more than 700 centres throughout the UK. Go to salvationarmy.org.uk/find-a-church to find your nearest centre.
What is the War Cry? The Salvation Army first published a newspaper called the War Cry in London in December 1879, and we have continued to appear every week since then. Our name refers to our battle for people’s hearts and souls as we promote the positive impact of the Christian faith and The Salvation Army’s fight for greater social justice.
WAR CRY Issue No 7626
Editor: Andrew Stone, Major Deputy Editor: Philip Halcrow Production Editor: Ivan Radford Assistant Editor: Sarah Olowofoyeku Staff Writer: Emily Bright Staff Writer: Claire Brine Editorial Assistant: Linda McTurk Graphic Designer: Rodney Kingston Graphic Designer: Mark Knight
From the editor’s desk SATURDAY 6 May 2023 will go down in history as the date when the eyes of much of the world watched the coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla. Whatever an individual’s view of monarchy may be, the first crowning of a king in Westminster Abbey for 86 years is a milestone in the life of this King and the country. It will be particularly significant for those people who will be attending the ceremony, such as canons’ verger Andrew Campbell. ‘I’m looking forward to being at the coronation and to being a part of history,’ he says in this week’s War Cry. In the interview he also recounts the historical traditions of the day as well as describing the duties he usually carries out in his work. It is noteworthy that the coronation takes place in a building dedicated to the worship of God, who is sometimes described by Christians as ‘the King of kings’. Yet within the Bible there are also instructions from one writer that Christians should pray for people in leadership. ‘You should pray for rulers and for all who have authority,’ he says. ‘Pray for these leaders so that we can live quiet and peaceful lives’ (1 Timothy 2:2 Easy-to-Read Version). It is, however, not just those who have a degree of power who should be prayed for. Before mentioning leaders, the writer says: ‘I ask that you pray for all people. Ask God to bless them and give them what they need’ (1 Timothy 2:1). On a day such as today, many Christians will pray for the newly crowned King and Queen, asking God to help them successfully undertake their duties. But it is good to be reminded that God does not only care for royalty or people in positions of power and influence. The love of the King of kings is available to everyone.
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Email: warcry@salvationarmy.org.uk The Salvation Army United Kingdom and Ireland Territory 101 Newington Causeway London SE1 6BN Tel: 0845 634 0101 Subscriptions: 01933 445445 (option 1, option 1) or email: subscriptions@satcol.org Founder: William Booth General: Brian Peddle Territorial Commander: Commissioner Anthony Cotterill Editor-in-Chief: Major Julian Watchorn Published weekly by The Salvation Army © The Salvation Army United Kingdom and Ireland Territory ISSN 0043-0226 The Salvation Army Trust is a registered charity. The charity number in England, Wales and Northern Ireland is 214779, in Scotland SC009359 and in the Republic of Ireland CHY6399. Printed by CKN Print, Northampton, on sustainably sourced paper
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2 • WAR CRY • 6 May 2023
FEATURES
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Help yourself The project that encourages us to
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INFO 12 Your local Salvation Army centre
CONTENTS volunteer in our communities 4
An a-pealing celebration Church bells ring out for the new King
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The abbey habit The history of royal events at Westminster Abbey
10 Putting faith in the coronation Author explains Christian elements of the crowning 12 Music for a monarch Church orchestra’s royal prom REGULARS
14 Puzzles 15 War Cry Kitchen Front-page picture: HUGO BURNAND