Does anyone know someome who belongs to the Salvation Army ? -

[Thewiseone]

My new neighbours are members of the SA... I wanted to invite them over for a drink but I was told by a friend that SA is quite religious... I don't want to make a faux-pas as I am very ignorant of what the SA is... anyone has any information to pass on ?
Thanks

[SueW]

A ?captain from the SA came to visit my MIL when she was terminally ill with cancer (in her own home). Although I am not at all religious, and object to having religion forced up on me and, more importantly, my MIL rejected religion some years ago having been very religious, he was a very pleasant person and we enjoyed a nice cup of tea and a chat about life in general for a good couple of hours. God never really came into the conversation although he did leave a book of religion-related coping stuff.

The man who came was suggested by MIL's neighbours who were also SA - but other than that, pretty normal people

No offence at all is meant to anyone who is SA or religious - the episode actually taught me quite a lot about how prejudiced I was.

In summary, my experience of them has been very positive but I probably wouldn't invite them over for cocktails as a first contact.

Good luck.

[jasper]

thewiseone, a very good friend is an ex SA girl. I will ask her and get back to you

[Hilary]

It's a pretty normal sort of church really, just normal Christians inside but I DO know (and this might be of use to you)that they don't drink alcohol - or at least they might but the teachings of the SA warn against it.

No reason why you can't invite them over for a coffee though, anyone would appreciate a show of friendliness when they have just moved in. (I would say that, I'm moving soon!)

[bloss]

Message withdrawn

[Hilary]

As far as I have heard from friends of ours, members are allowed to marry outside the SA but if you are in training to be a minister in the SA and want to get married, it has to be with someone who is also willing to train - sort of a joint calling.

[jasper]

Just spoke to my ex SA friend and she says the same as others have said, they will be teetotal, but should be delighted to come round for coffee or whatever. She insisted SA people are perfectly normal ! ( don't think you really doubted that)
Nice to hear you are dispelling the reserved English stereotype and befriending new neighbours.
Mind you, you are not English!
Good luck

[jasper]

Sorry, missed out a word, should read perhaps you are not English - if a fellow Scot you will like me revel in your alleged hospitable reputation!
Think the Irish and the Welsh feel the same.
Do hope I am not causing offence to anyone. I'm sure these national stereotypes are largely nonsense.

[Thewiseone]

Thanks to everyone for their useful reply... yes they certainly look friendly. They are both SA and I have never seen them with a bottle of alcohol. And their 3 kids are always playing outside which impresses me in the age of television!
I am English but not so conventional....