Mother's Union
The Mothers’ Union, probably the oldest female organization in the world, was founded in England 1876 by the wife of a clergyman, Mrs Mary Sumner, a visionary and inspirational woman. In 1876 Mary’s daughter, Margaret, had her first child. “Aware of the burdens and the responsibilities of parenting and of the feeling of inadequacy that could swamp young mothers”, Mary called a meeting of mothers in her parish. That meeting, designed to provide mutual support to mothers, was the advent of the Mothers’ Union.
Christian care for families
With the extension of The Church of England in the Caribbean, branches of this noble society were established in the various Caribbean countries, including Anguilla. Today, The Mothers’ Union, a global movement with over four million members in eighty countries, has representation at the United Nations. Its purpose is “to be specifically concerned with all that strengthens and preserves Marriage and Christian family life”. The aim of the Society is “the advancement of the Christian religion in the sphere of marriage and family life”.
Objectives
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To uphold Christ’s teaching on the nature of marriage and promote its wider understanding.
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To encourage parents to bring up their children in the faith and life of the church.
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To maintain a worldwide fellowship of Christians united in prayer, worship and service.
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To promote conditions in society favourable to stable family life and the protection of children.
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To help those whose family life has met with adversity.
The first branch of the Mothers’ Union was established in our diocese on the island of Antigua in 1902. Forty-three years later, on the 8th September, 1945, the first branch was launched on Anguilla at St. Mary’s. Years later, branches were established at St. Augustine and St. Andrew.
Presently, there are two branches on Anguilla, one at the Pro-Cathedral of St. Mary and the other at St. Augustine. Each group meets once a month. Members are actively involved in the work of the church and engage in social outreach programmes such as prison ministry, visitation to the sick and shut-in, education support to children in need and donation of food and clothing to needy persons.
The group has representation at the diocesan level and participates in the annual Mothers’ Union Diocesan Council meetings and Triennial Conferences. We are affiliated to the World-wide Council through representation from the provincial level.