The Mothers’ Union works with some of the most marginalised and neglected people throughout the world. We work in an exclusively local way via our network of paid workers (mostly overseas) and members. We encourage communities and families to work together to address hardship and discrimination by being part of those communities. Our programmes include emergency relief for disasters – big and small, sustainable development grants, parenting groups, marriage preparation, parenting group facilitation, prison ministry, community health education and care for the elderly and vulnerable.
We also work hard to tackle the root causes of deprivation and inequality and we speak out for the family at local, national and international levels. Members are regularly consulted about proposed policy changes from government. We also hold consultative status at the United Nations.
Underpinning all we do is faith and spirituality. MU members pray for and support their clergy. They undertake a full range of roles in the church including, lay ministries, helping with youth ministry and outreach such as Messy Church, Open the book and tiny tots praise services. Other roles include
- Reading in church
- Leading intercessions
- Leading or being part of House groups/ prayer groups
- Servers
- Choir members
- Vergers, Sacristans
- We have several ordained members and greatly value their support.
All MU meetings start with prayer. Branches and Deaneries organise special services for such celebrations as Lady Day, Mary Sumner day and Deanery festivals. As a diocese we provide additional prayer materials, organise quiet days and hold an annual Retreat at Launde Abbey.
Our worldwide role is reflected in a commitment to midday prayers. All branches take part in an annual “Wave of prayer service”. We are specially linked with Rumbek in Sudan, Aba and Oyo in Nigeria, Soroti in Uganda and North Eastern Caribbean and Aruba in the West Indies. In 2019 it was a privilege to host the Worldwide President Sheran Harper.
Social policy focuses both worldwide and in this country on abuses of power in relationships and families. Materials are available for 16 days of activism when times of prayer and reflection and awareness raising are informed by appalling worldwide knowledge of abuses. In this country we have raised awareness of modern day slavery.
Faith in action is demonstrated in a number of ways. As a diocese we continue to provide AFIA (away from it all) holidays or days out for families who are struggling.
We have a lunch club based in Kettering which provides meals and activities during holiday periods for school children.
We continue to support the Daylight Centre in Wellingborough which was set up by MU.
Christmas cards are sent to prisoners sending love from the Mothers’ Union.
Members knit and sew a range of items usually for local needs.
All branches have their own programs and a ranges of activities.
Communication about what we do is vital. The Archbishop challenges us to ensure that MU is no longer the Anglican Communion’s best kept secret. We have developed a new publication for all members called “Communicate”, produced twice a year to publicise our work. Members also receive Families Worldwide which has prayer resources.
There is a lot more information on the MU website www.mothersunion.org