The Diocese of Winchester is the birthplace of the Mothers’ Union. Mary Sumner founded the organisation in the vicarage at Old Alresford, with a vision to support families, campaign for a fairer world, and to give women the opportunity to put their faith into action.
Today, Mothers’ Union has around 4 million members worldwide, with branches across the Diocese of Winchester. It works to combat poverty, injustice and violence and improve the lives of others through faith, community and action. It is open to men and women of all ages, whether married, single or divorced.
Sue Murphy, president of Mothers’ Union in the Diocese of Winchester, said, “When Mary Sumner set up Mothers’ Union, it was quite low-key. It was just a group of women in the parish, and she thought they needed support to raise their families. I don’t think she could have imagined that it would spread to 84 different countries which is amazing.
“In many parts of the world, women still need support to achieve equality and respect within their communities and Mothers’ Union is helping to make that happen. We have a voice in the UN and continue to be a force for good around the world.”
The anniversary will be marked with a service at St Paul’s Cathedral in June and a special evensong at Winchester Cathedral on 9th August, when flowers will also be placed on Mary Sumner’s grave. Celebrations are also planned at branches across the diocese.
Once described as the ‘Anglican Church’s best kept secret’, Mothers’ Union has, for 150 years, transformed lives both locally and globally.
Mothers’ Union outreach projects across the Diocese of Winchester include:
- Child Contact Centre: Trained volunteers provide a safe, supported environment for children to meet with parents.
- Away From It All: Running since the 1960s, this initiative offers days out and treats for families and groups recommended by members, churches and schools.
- Prison support project: Providing Christmas chocolate boxes for prisoners to give to their children, as well as toys for the ‘Dads and Lads’ day.
- International fundraising: Supporting Mothers’ Union projects overseas and building links with other countries
- 16 days of Activism: Campaigning against gender-based violence including vigils.
- Monthly prayer services: Led by different branches in the Epiphany Chapel at Winchester Cathedral.
There are currently 19 Mothers’ Union branches across the Diocese of Winchester. Bishop Kelly was recently appointed Bishop Ambassador.
Alongside diocesan initiatives, branches meet regularly for worship and fellowship and run their own community projects, including parent and toddler groups, baptism and marriage support, community cafes and collections for those in need.
Here are stories from two of our parish branches…
Mothers’ Union, Brockenhurst Church
The Brockenhurst branch of Mothers’ Union has been active for 40 years. To mark the 150th anniversary, members will create a blanket of knitted and crocheted blue and white flowers in the grounds of St Saviours Church in August.
The group supports both local charities and the wider community through a variety of projects:
- A post-Christmas ‘GiftSwap4Coffee’ morning raises funds for charities including the food bank and women’s refuge.
- Supporting marriage preparation sessions and presenting couples with the ‘Growing Together’ marriage preparation book, along with personalised wedding and 1st anniversary cards.
- Participating in the global 16 days of Activism, including prayer stations in church and a vigil in the village.
- Hosting a Boardgame Café, bringing people together for games, tea and home-made cake.
- Creating ‘Little Bags of Love’ for parents of children starting school at what can be a challenging time, offering small comforts such as sachets of hot chocolate and coffee, a chocolate biscuit, a pack of tissues and a prayer.
- Fundraising for the ‘Summer of Hope’ appeal which supports Mothers’ Union projects worldwide and hosting branches from across the diocese for a meal and tour of St Nicholas Church.
- Making fidget quilts for people living with dementia and prayer blankets which are given to children at their baptism.
Lesley Munt has been a member of Mothers Union for 45 years, and started the group in Brockenhurst 40 years ago. She said, “Mothers Union is different from other organisations because of its Christian background. Prayer is central to everything we do.
“Supporting marriage and family life is so vital, especially today when there are so many broken homes and broken families. It also helps our members too as many find it becomes like a second family and it’s a lovely supportive group.”
Mothers’ Union, St John’s Hedge End
The Hedge End branch, with around 20 members, enjoys meetings, social activities and fundraising events. It has been running for more than 50 years and will mark the anniversary with a special service at the church and flower display.
Branch leader Sally Lloyds said, “Mothers’ Union is still important today because it enables members to put faith into action whenever they can. Even the smallest action can mean so much to someone else.”
They have a number of local initiatives:
- Giving hand-made knitted teddy bears, bibles and candles to children at baptism
- Collecting hygiene items for female seafarers in partnership with the Mission to Seafarers. Bags contain items such as soap, sanitary pads, lip balm and hand cream. These are funded by a monthly raffle and donations.
- Providing a basket of essential supplies in the ladies’ toilet in the church centre
- Fundraising for ‘Away from it All’ with last year’s event being a seaside themed fish and chip lunch.
- Collecting Christmas treats, toiletries, socks and gloves for people experiencing homelessness in Southampton to show they are not forgotten.
- Sponsoring a student in Bukedi, Uganda, through her education for 2 years, helping her pass her exams and start up a small shoe shop to support her family.
Sally added, “Not only do we want to help others, but I think it’s the Christian ethos that really cements us as a group. I’d like to see Mothers’ Union continue for another 150 years and grow, as more people understand what we do beyond the stereotypes. It’s special for me too as it started in our own diocese.”
Sue Murphy concluded, “There is still so much need both within the church and in our communities and Mothers’ Union provides a way to support people around the diocese and across the world. Faith in Action is one of our themes, and it truly sums up who we are.”
