Australian Biography: General Eva Burrows

1998, 26 Minutes

This program traces Eva Burrows' rapid rise through the ranks of the Salvation Army to become its remarkably successful world leader.

The 20th century brought dramatic changes in opportunities for women, but in religious circles the ordination of women remained a burning issue and on the world stage women were excluded from international leadership roles in the Christian church.

Eva Burrows is an outstanding exception. She began life as one of nine children in a humble Australian family and went on to lead one of the world's most interesting and effective religious movements. In the role of General, Eva was a strong and effective administrator who nevertheless retained the warmth and humanity that earned her the popular title of “The People’s General”.

General Burrows’s experiences in just about every trouble spot on the globe and her meetings with world leaders are analysed here with intelligence and honesty. Her account of her life provides insight into the opportunities afforded a talented person who makes a complete commitment to a cause. It also reveals the difficult personal choices that sometimes confront such a person.  

Even the viewer with no interest in religion will be fascinated by this portrait of an unusually capable and wise human being, whose life has made a genuine difference for good in the world.

A Film Australia National Interest Program. Made in association with SBS TV. © 2011 National Film and Sound Archive of Australia.

NB The Australian Biography series (1-11) are only available for sale within the territories of Australia and New Zealand.