General of The Salvation Army

General of The Salvation Army
Rank insignia of General
Standard of the Salvation Army
since 3 August 2023
The Salvation Army
StyleGeneral
TypeChief executive officer
ResidenceLondon, United Kingdom
AppointerHigh Council,
but must be under 68 years old
Term lengthFive years,
extendable up to a maximum of seven years
Constituting instrumentThe Salvation Army Act 1931 and Salvation Army Act 1980 via the Parliament of the United Kingdom
Formation2 July 1865
First holderWilliam Booth
DeputyChief of the Staff

General is the title of the international leader and chief executive officer of The Salvation Army, a Christian denomination with extensive charitable social services that gives quasi-military rank to its ministers (who are therefore known as officers). The general is elected by the High Council of The Salvation Army and serves a term of five years, which may be extended to seven years. According to the organization, the general is purported to be chosen by God, and the council identifies that person.[1] Lyndon Buckingham is the current general, who assumed office on 3 August 2023 upon the retirement of Brian Peddle. The organization's founder, William Booth, was the first and longest-serving general. There have been 22 generals as of 2023.

  1. ^ "2023 High Council: Day One". salvationarmy.org. 22 May 2023. Retrieved 22 May 2022.