William Booth was born an Anglican and became a Methodist preacher. Catherine Mumford, who married William Booth in 1855, had roots in Methodism, and was deeply influenced by Charles Finney and the American holiness leader Phoebe Palmer. The Booths left Methodism to pursue an independent ministry. Catherine Booth was a successful preacher in her own right; her insistence on full equality for women, based on her understanding of the Scripture, marks her as a pioneer of the women's movement. The Booths led the East London Christian Mission, which sought to reach the working poor of London with the gospel and practical help such as food, shelter, and education for employment. By 1878, the movement had developed into the Salvation Army, and its aim was to reach poor people in slums, bars, jails, brothels, and factories. The use of military ranks and uniforms, female as well as male preachers, street marches and band music made for critics as well as converts. Every convert was expected to be an evangelist. Many people opposed and ridiculed the movement, sometimes attacking its preachers and workers. The Salvation Army spread to the United States, Australia, Canada, India, and other countries, offering revivalism and social services.