03 June 2025
The literary ministry of the late General Shaw Clifton was recognised at The Salvation Army International Headquarters (IHQ) in the presence of his family and IHQ staff on Thursday 22 May 2025.
General Shaw Clifton was a prolific writer, authoring 20 titles under The Salvation Army International’s book publishing imprint, Salvation Books, and writing for Salvation Army journals, newspapers and magazines throughout his life and ministry.
Speaking in the exhibition space at IHQ, Captain (Dr) John Clifton, General Clifton’s youngest son, discussed his father’s writing legacy: ‘It’s a privilege to be able to speak about the literary legacy of General Shaw Clifton, especially as we approach the second anniversary of his promotion to Glory [passing] … I speak today not only as his son, but as a fellow Salvationist, shaped by his words and the convictions that ran through them.’
Captain John Clifton
‘When I was kindly invited to speak…I was drawn not to a list of titles or a collection of accolades, but really to a phrase that, for me, captures the heart of his written work and indeed his ministry: ‘strong doctrine, strong mercy’. It’s a phrase that was, of course, the title of one of his books… But more than that, it was a kind of compass for him, a way of holding together truth and compassion, holiness and mission, theology and grace. It’s a lens, really, through which we can view his literary legacy.’
Captain Clifton shared his early memories of his father’s writing: ‘Early in the morning or late at night, surrounded by books and determination…he made space and time to write. It wasn’t for show. It was how he thought, it was how he prayed, it was how he tested ideas and how he made conviction precise. Writing was therefore part of his discipleship and leadership, not separate from it.’
General Clifton’s books covered a remarkable range of genres, including theology, history, governance and devotion. His first title – What Does the Salvationist Say? – was published in 1977. His last book – Family Life (Utmost Respect) from his ‘Twenty Talks’ series – was published posthumously in 2024. He also authored The History of The Salvation Army Volume Nine 1995–2015.
In reference to the variety of genres, Captain Clifton added: ‘In every case, his writing served a singular purpose: to shape the Army’s understanding of Salvationism, helping Salvationists think more clearly, act more faithfully and live more holy… He did not write to flatter or please. He wrote to provoke thought, to contend for truth and to call the reader to deeper faithfulness.’
Captain Clifton then offered a challenge to Salvationists: ‘If you have something worth saying, then write it… Don’t wait for an appointment or a position, but take up the mantle… If you carry a conviction, theological, pastoral or prophetic, consider this your invitation… We need words shaped by the gospel, born in prayer and sharpened in community.’
Captain Clifton and his brother Mr Matt Clifton concluded by focusing on one of General Clifton’s books, Strong Doctrine, Strong Mercy. Matt read several excerpts from the chapter titled ‘Salvationist Ethics’, and Captain Clifton offered a reflection and interpretation after each reading.
Literary exhibition
General Clifton’s writing legacy was honoured during the launch of the More Than Words exhibition at Gallery 101 at IHQ, which chronicles The Salvation Army’s longstanding editorial and literary ministry.
The exhibition states: ‘Since the earliest days of William and Catherine Booth’s Christian Mission [how The Salvation Army was first known], founded in 1865, the publication of magazines and books was at the forefront of its evangelical outreach… William was a prodigious writer/publisher until his promotion to Glory in 1912, while Catherine was author of some 15 books…
‘In its 160 years, The Salvation Army has gained an enviable reputation for the quality of its publications and the skill of those who write and edit them.’
The exhibition honours literary giants of The Salvation Army, and showcases books and magazines past and present.
At the launch, Paul Mortlock, Salvation Books Publisher, shared that the previously vibrant book publishing programme of IHQ had somewhat fallen by the wayside until General Clifton rekindled it in 2008, under the imprint of Salvation Books.
The exhibition reveals: ‘While our books are not printed in the same quantities as in the days of William Booth, the desire to produce the best possible publications remains at the core of our ethos…and we celebrate the myriad writers, authors and editors who have enhanced both the mind and the heart of Salvationists since our earliest days.’
Following Captain Clifton’s presentation, IHQ Secretary for Communications Major Peter McGuigan thanked him for taking his listeners deeper with General Shaw Clifton and thanked God ‘for the way General Clifton’s writing had helped readers adjust their journeys to align with the heart and mind of God’.
The exhibition is on display at Gallery 101, The Salvation Army International Headquarters, 101 Queen Victoria Street, London, UK, until Friday 6 June.
For more information about Salvation Army book publishing, visit Salvation Books on the IHQ website.
