Face to face interview with Tim Stone, public affairs officer, Salvation Army

1. Why do you feel the EU and the EP are relevant to the work of the Salvation Army today?

In 2009,The Salvation Army is active in 28 countries around the EU and 117 countries globally.

As a Christian church and charity, the issues we are interested in are similar in nature to those addressed by the EU and EP.

By this I mean that they are typically long-term, thematic and transnational e.g. alleviation of poverty, social justice, care of the vulnerable and socially excluded. This affinity is recognised at EU level by the range and scale of European funding we receive via various national governments.

2. Looking at this wide range of issues do you find different social and cultural attitudes across the Continent and does this affect the way people work together to improve conditions and solve problems?

Of course, there are differences wherever people are located. This is a welcome fact of life. For example, we are aware of different approaches in Europe which may be stereotyped as North versus South and East versus West. Even at governmental level, there are a wide range of views on roles and responsibilities e.g. facilitator or controller, centralised or decentralised control.

More than that, The Salvation Army welcomes differences arising from fundamental rights such as freedom of expression and the need for local people to respond to local issues.

In our opinion, it would be arrogant to suggest that any one approach has all the answers – rather our preference is for working together (at individual, corporate or national level) to achieve shared solutions to shared problems. It is an ongoing process that merits input from all communities and societies.

3. You have highlighted people trafficking as one issue that has come to prominence more and more in these times of globalisation and freer movement across borders. How is the Salvation Army helping to tackle it?

Human trafficking is a despicable crime against humanity. Vulnerable people from all backgrounds are snatched from their families and loved ones, transported to another place (sometimes the same city) and then abused sexually and physically.

In the UK, The Salvation Army offers one of only three residential centres offering care and support for people who have been trafficked. This is just one part of our wider strategy of social engagement – The Salvation Army is the most diverse provider of social services after the UK Government.

Furthermore, human trafficking is not an issue that can be “boxed in” to any nation – it is a transnational problem. We have developed a co-ordinated response across Europe, ranging across UK, Switzerland, Greece, Sweden, Baltic States and Netherlands. We are also working outside of EU with countries of origin and destination.

Through its International Headquarters EU Coordinator, The Salvation Army, is a member of:

• the FEANTSA Administrative Council (the European Federation of National Organisations working with the Homeless)
• the Conference of European Churches Joint Social Policy Working Group
• the European Anti-Poverty Network Executive Committee

4. In the past there has sometimes been a reluctance in some countries to listen to the "faith" voice in politics. Do you think this is changing in relation to the European Union and if so, why might this be?

The Salvation Army is pleased that we are increasingly engaged by politicians to give our views or assist those living through traumatic experiences.

Our perception is that this is for a range of reasons including our organisational capacity, our established track record in delivery, our presence in many communities and our response to thematic issues addressed by people everywhere. Faith is an enduring social phenomenon which has a great deal to offer all of society.

I would draw particular attention to our holistic approach to individuals – taking into consideration the range of needs, including key elements such as body, mind, social and spiritual requirements. It is our experience that this approach to wholeness often leads to health and healing.

5. The European Parliament elections 2009 will take place on 4 June in the UK. Why would you say from a professional point of view it is important for people to vote?

There is increasing recognition that the EU shapes the UK and ultimately affects all of our lives. It is our responsibility as citizens to ensure all society’s interests are represented and responded to. Failure to participate entails failure to achieve.

Tim Stone
Public Affairs Officer
The Salvation Army