Single Spouse Officership Frequently Asked Questions About

Single Spouse Officership (SSO) refers to an active officer of The Salvation Army who is married to a non-officer or a retired officer. What is Single Spouse Officership?

There are seven different scenarios where SSO is possible: 1)the training and commissioning of only one spouse; 2) the reacceptance of only one spouse of a former officer couple; 3) the reacceptance of a former single officer who has married since leaving officership;

4) the voluntary resignation of one spouse of an officer couple; 5) a present officer choosing to marry a non- officer; 6) an officer remaining active while his/her officer spouse retires at normal retirement age; and 7) an officer remaining active while his/her officer spouse retires before normal retirement age.

SSO celebrates individual calling to ministry and offers more flexibility and choice to those considering officership. The SSO retirement option facilitates continuance of service by an active officer when his/her officer spouse retires at normal age or retires early. Why is Single Spouse Officership being offered?

The married officer model of service— where both spouses are equally called, trained, ordained and commissioned— has been a great strength to the Army and will continue to be encouraged and endorsed.

In July 2005 The Salvation Army International Headquarters approved SSO as policy for the Canada and Bermuda Territory. Extensive input and dialogue on this concept has prepared this territory to launch SSO in May When will Single Spouse Officership be offered?

The application process starts with a written request to the Divisional Commander or Department Head asking for consideration as a single spouse officer. An interview with the applicant and the non-applicant spouse (or spouse to be) will then be arranged. What is the application process?

Divisional Commanders and Department Heads will provide a copy of the Manual of Guidance for Single Spouse Applicants to interested persons when an interview date is established. This manual will address questions and detail the application process.

Officers who are currently in active service and former officers should not assume that application for SSO will be approved automatically. A significant review will be part of the application process.

The non-officer/retired officer spouse will possess a thorough understanding of The Salvation Army, its mission and values and its officer appointment system. The nature of officership as a spiritual covenant rather than a contract with The Salvation Army must be understood and affirmed. What will be the role of the non-officer spouse?

He/she must be a senior soldier of The Salvation Army “in good standing” and share the same commitment as his/her officer spouse to The Army’s mission, values, beliefs and lifestyle. The non officer/retired officer spouse must sign a declaration of support for the officer spouse’s ministry and a willingness to relocate with the officer spouse as part of the Army’s appointment process.

May God continue to bless the ministry of The Salvation Army. It is hoped that this exciting new initiative will broaden access to officership by addressing unique situations that will enhance the mission of The Salvation Army in this territory.