The Salvation Army is an integral part of the Christian Church, although distinctive in government and practice. The Army-s doctrine follows the mainstream of Christian belief and its articles of faith emphasise God-s saving purposes. Its objects are -the advancement of the Christian religion- of education, the relief of poverty, and other charitable objects beneficial to society or the community of mankind as a whole. The movement, founded in 1865 by William Booth, has spread from London, England, to many parts of the world.