What do we do?
MOTHERS’ UNION is an international Christian charity, with over 4 million members in 81 countries, devoted to doing all it can to make a better world for families. A world where God’s love is shown through loving, respectful and flourishing relationships. Through supporting a variety of projects here and abroad from literacy to HIV prevention; social policy work lobbying government; community outreach; Christian fellowship and prayer; members seek to support and nurture family life in all its diversity. Here at St. John’s, in addition to the advertised programme, we actively support the baptism and marriage preparation in the parish, are involved as volunteers in local community projects and play a key role in lobbying local and national government on issues and concerns affecting family life. Please come along to any of our events – you will be most welcome!
Questions and Answers
What is the Mothers’ Union? It is a world-wide Anglican organization whose Purpose it is to be concerned with all aspects of Christian family life. Why was the Mothers Union founded? The Mothers Union was founded in 1876 by Mary Sumner, an Englishwoman. When her first child was born she was overwhelmed by what she saw as the awesome responsibility of parents, not only in caring for the children’s physical well-being, but also for their spiritual nurture and growth. What is the Aim and what are the Objects of the Mothers Union? The Aim is the advancement of the Christian religion in the sphere of marriage and family life. In order to carry this out there are five Objects. To uphold Christ’s teaching on the nature of marriage and to promote its wider understanding Members hold conferences and training sessions, including marriage preparation, in their branches and dioceses. The Society offers spiritual support and development to all. To encourage parents to bring up their children in the faith and life of the Church In many ways the members give practical support to young families both within the Church and the wider community: e.g. running crèches, mother and the toddler groups and parenting courses. To maintain a world-wide fellowship of Christians, united in prayer, worship and service Members not only give very generously to fund workers and projects in many parts of the Anglican Communion but they pray daily through a wave of prayer for fellow members around the world. To promote conditions in society favourable to stable family life and the protection of children Any proposed legislation affecting the family is discussed and comments are passed to the relevant Government committee. There is active monitoring of all forms of the media. To help those whose family life has met with adversity Many branches are involved in offering practical support: e.g. running prison crèches and tea bars, debt counselling, providing holidays for those needing a break and child contact centres so that separated families can spend time together.
Quotations about the Mothers’ Union
- “A Church without a Mothers’ Union is not alive.” an African Bishop
- “If someone says it cannot be done – they will probably be interrupted by the Mothers’ Union doing it.” a parish priest
- “The Mothers’ Union gave me an opportunity to develop spiritually.” MU member