The leader of Bermuda's Salvation Army has criticised Western churches for deviating from the mission of Jesus Christ.

Speaking to members of the Hamilton Lions Club yesterday, Major Lindsay Rowe said people did Christ an injustice in the way they represented the Gospel and lived their lives.

He said: “It befuddles me to contemplate why Western Christianity bears so little resemblance to the mission, ministry, and lifestyle of Jesus. In romanticising his image and undermining humanity, we do him an injustice.

“He was himself poor and totally committed to the outcasts and rejects of society, yet he understood the well to do, as well, and interacted with them.

“He has not changed, yet the church has so often forgotten his particular approach to ministry in favour of a more popular and productive gospel.”

Maj. Rowe said the Salvation Army wanted to affirm the value of every person as someone who was of equal value in the eyes of God and equally deserving of their social privileges.

And he said rather than churches just helping to provide food and warmth, they should be helping to equip the needy with the tools and resources they need to move on in life.

He added: “For us that means moving beyond the warm fuzzies of a cup of soup and a piece of bread to extending programmes that motivate and empower them to move back into the mainstream of society.

“For example, there has been considerable discussion about homelessness in Hamilton and the need to do something about these people.

“Perhaps someone needs to ask, ‘whose need is it that these people get off the street?'

“If we are motivated by genuine concern for the homeless our action plan would include more than merely getting them off the street. A warehouse would accomplish that goal, but would it meet the needs of the individual?

“The Salvation Army's is first and foremost an Evangelical Christian Church. I like to call it ‘the church with its sleeves rolled up'.”

Maj. Rowe made the criticisms at the Lions Club lunch following the launch yesterday of the Salvation Army's Red Shield Appeal month on the steps of City Hall.

The Salvation Army is hoping to raise $450,000 this year to finance its usual help programmes, and is also extending some services.

He told the small audience gathered outside City Hall, including Minister of Health and Family Services Nelson Bascome, that the Salvation Army had been in Bermuda for 106 years and there was still children who attended school without breakfast or lunch, and there was still a problem with homelessness.

And he said any schools or parents that need help should call the organisation.

He said the Salvation Army was planning to expand it's community service programmes in the St. George's and Somerset churches, so people would not need to go Hamilton for help.

The programmes include assistance in providing food, clothing, counselling and self-help workshops.

The Royal Gazette reported previously how the Salvation Army was building a new multi-functional, purpose-built facility to replace the current Harbour Light property, and there are also plans to replace the present emergency housing complex on Marsh Lane.

Outside City Hall Mr. Bascome said that he understood the needs of the Army, as he was the director of rehabilitation for men.

He asked the public to reach in and give what they could.

For further information on any of the Salvation Army's services, please call 292-0601.