Lawsuit Reveals Salvation Army's Neutral Position on Stem Cell Research

The ministry issued a statement to announce its political neutrality on stem cell research in response to allegations it rejected a speaker based on her stem cell research position.

The allegations of Patti Davis, daughter of former President Ronald Reagan, that the Salvation Army replaced her with another speaker for one of its events because she supports stem cell research is “an unfounded assumption,” said The Salvation Army in a statement, which clarified it took no position on the issue.

Davis sued the Army after it cancelled her speech, booked by Greater Talent Network, planned for a Salvation Army event in Santa Rosa, Ca., on Nov. 19.

Her lawyer, Lawrence Fabian, said when the ministry told the booking agent they decided not to use Davis as a speaker, it added that it would not pay the $15,000 speaking fee nor the $7,500 cancellation fee called for by the contract.

She is suing for compensatory damages of at least $7,500 and punitive damages up to three times the compensatory damages.

A contract was never signed, reported the Army in a statement.

Michael Watters, attorney representing the Salvation Army, said the lawsuit was "totally without merit” since the decision to reject Davis was not based on her position on stem cell research but on her performance as a speaker.

"She sent a promo or demo and they decided it was not their cup of tea,” Watters said. “They look for upbeat speakers."

The statement issued on the Salvation Army USA’s Web site also refutes the allegations and informs the public of Salvation Army’s neutrality on the issue.

“The mission of The Salvation Army is to serve suffering humanity. As an organization we care deeply for the many, many thousands of people who have illnesses that impair their ability to live normal lives. Many of them are our clients, volunteers, employees and Salvation Army officers. Every day, The Salvation Army in this country and around the world reaches out in love and compassion to hurting people and we look forward to the day when cures for many diseases are found,” read the statement.

”While there continues to be public debate over stem-cell research, The Salvation Army has chosen to remain politically neutral on this topic. There is no organizational position or policy placing The Salvation Army in direct opposition to stem cell research,” continued the statement.

However, the Army said it did "take a very strong position about serving people," and "will continue to reach out to the millions of lonely and forgotten people we serve every day without discrimination.”

    Most Popular
  • Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Faith-based films often receive mixed reactions, and The Last Supper is no exception. The movie attempts to bring a fresh perspective to one of the most iconic moments in Christian history, but does it succeed? Some reviews from critics and audiences provide insight into its strengths and shortcomings.

  • ‘The Chosen’ Season 5: The darkest season yet—What to know before watching

    The wait is over—The Chosen is back with its fifth season, and this time, things are getting intense. The new episodes dive straight into the final days of Jesus’ life, covering some of the most emotional and dramatic moments in the Bible. If you’ve been following the series, you already know that The Chosen isn’t just about retelling familiar stories—it’s about bringing them to life in a way that feels real.

  • Massacres in Syria: Over 1,000 dead, including Christians and Alawites

    Syria’s coastal regions have been devastated by a series of massacres, with reports indicating that over 1,000 people—many from Christian and Alawite communities—have been killed in brutal attacks. Entire families have been wiped out, and survivors are fleeing in search of safety as sectarian violence escalates.

  • Kim Sae-ron and Wheesung: The tragic irony of Korean society and the principles of happiness

    Not long ago, the media was in an uproar over actress Kim Sae-ron’s passing. Just months before, the same people who had relentlessly criticized her for her DUI incident were now expressing sympathy, saying, "The world was too harsh on her." The irony is impossible to ignore.

  • Newsboys move forward as a quartet after Michael Tait’s departure

    After more than a decade as the lead singer of the Newsboys, Michael Tait has officially parted ways with the band, marking a significant shift in the Christian rock group’s lineup. The remaining members—Jeff Frankenstein, Jody Davis, Duncan Phillips, and Adam Agee—have assured fans that they will continue forward, embracing a new season of music and ministry.