“Together, by the grace of God… we can calm each other when we are afraid; strengthen one another when we are weak; and work together to raise our children to the glory of God. Unity is strength.”
Mary Sumner, founder of the Mothers’ Union.
Picture : A member of the Newcastle MU puts the finishing touches to the 150th anniversary display in Newcastle Cathedral which hosted an anniversary service last month.
Many of our cathedrals have hosted anniversary celebrations to mark 150 years of the Mothers’ Union this year.
Founded by vicar’s wife, Mary Sumner, in the small parish church of Old Alresford, Hampshire, Mothers’ Union has grown into a worldwide Christian movement to support families and strengthen communities around the world, with members in more than 80 countries.
In York Minster, the Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell, joined members of Mothers’ Union from across the city and beyond on Saturday – the eve of Mary Sumner Day.
It began with a community picnic in Dean’s Park followed by Evensong in where the Archbishop preached.
Archbishop Stephen said:
‘For 150 years, the Mothers’ Union has remained faithful to Christ while continually responding to the changing needs of the world.
‘As we celebrate this remarkable anniversary, we give thanks for all that God has done through countless small acts of faith and service, and we look ahead with confidence, asking where God is leading us next.’
LOVE IN EVERY STITCH EXHIBITION: BANNERS OF THE MOTHERS’ UNION
Truro Cathedral is hosting The Love in Every Stitch exhibition – a display of more than 50 historic banners from across Cornwall, celebrating the 150th anniversary of the founding of Mothers’ Union in 1876.
Every banner is hand-stitched and represents love for families and love for God.
At the core of Mothers’ Union is the belief that faith and compassion can transform lives. During the period of the exhibition- on Wednesday August 19th (10.00 – 15.00) – there will be the annual free Family Fun Day for under-10s, organised by Mothers’ Union.
Blackburn Cathedral hosted a local celebration and special service to mark the 150th anniversary at the weekend too.
The event included a display of local and regional banners and exhibits highlighting campaigns by the Mothers’ Union that include raising awareness of domestic abuse and modern-day slavery and examples of the outreach work undertaken to support hospitals, prisons and refuges.
The day ended with a service in the cathedral led by the Bishop of Blackburn, the Rt Rev Philip North and including civic leaders.
Susan Willoughby, the Blackburn Diocese Mothers’ Union President, said today:
“We are absolutely delighted to be marking this very special milestone with a day of celebration at Blackburn Cathedral and I warmly invite people of all ages to come and join us.
“The 150th anniversary gives us an opportunity to reflect with gratitude on the dedication of generations of members who have helped the Mothers’ Union become the worldwide and local movement it is today.”
MOTHERS’ UNION
Mothers’ Union is an international women-led Christian movement with 4 million members. It was founded by Mary Sumner in 1876, and it is the largest volunteer network in the Anglican Church, active in 64 dioceses across Britain and Ireland.
Members are a diverse and inclusive community – including men and women – present in approximately 84 countries around the world.
This grassroots membership organises and participates in programmes on locally identified needs, such as literacy, parenting, and business skills.
