Wow! This petition is beginning to take off.... My heartfelt thanks to all of you who have signed this petition and taken a step to promote a greater sense of justice within the Salvation Army. I have been so moved and encouraged by the response and by the many comments left on the petition. In the last couple of days since the petition started, I’ve also received many emails, read posts and chatted as people have shared something of their story and their desire for change. There have been more than a few tears too... This is not simply about the issue of pensions for officers but about a deep need for transparency and justice. The Salvation Army works throughout the world. Imagine the potential ripple effect of this clarion call. Justice for all UK officers by granting former officers a pension, not simply a hand-out if they are on the breadline, will affect the way serving officers are treated. If leaders know there will be the ongoing cost of a pension to bear they will be less likely to let serving officers go so easily. Other issues will begin to be taken more seriously. All officers may begin to have more of a voice, and proper protection from abuse. This in turn will affect the way in which officers themselves deal with others, with greater love, compassion and justice. It was my great privilege to serve for a few years with the Salvation Army in Zimbabwe. The people of that nation know more than most what it means to stand up for justice. It is because of them that I can do no other than speak out. My heart’s desire is to see the mission of the Salvation Army throughout the world enhanced. The movement does so much to help the most needy people. It could do so much more if it was truly authentic. We must hope for a better world! So come on.... Advent is no time for sleeping, but a time to wake up and work for justice. We need a lot more names on this petition if it is to be effective. So please get Tweeting and bleating, or whatever it is you do! Share the petition with all your friends, family and Facebook contacts. Thank you. All the world is waiting...