Mission Partner: Mothers’ Union
Mothers’ Union – “what’s that all about then??” – I have been asked that many times. Depending on the questioner and the environment the answer can be more or less.
“Mothers’ Union are the heart and love of the Church” – said The Most Reverend Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury, who also on another occasion said that we were the best kept secret in the Church of England.
Briefly: we are a worldwide organisation of Christian women. We have over 4 million members in over 80 countries. Our aim and purpose is to demonstrate the Christian Faith in action by the transformation of communities worldwide through the support of family in its many forms. There is much more to be said, but this should make you realise we are constantly supporting family life and the protection of children. Our work was further enhanced when David Cameron asked our former CEO Reg Bailey to be the independent chair of a Government review on the sexualisation and commercialisation of children, featured in our Bye Buy Childhood campaign.
Ashtead members, as part of the Diocese of Guildford, have supported many of our local and worldwide campaigns. Mothers’ Union campaigns around the world, through our 4 million members in 84 countries, for an end to gender-based violence; violence carried out most often against women and girls because of their gender. 16 Days of Activism against gender-based violence is an international campaign. It takes place each year from 25 November (International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women) until 10 December (International Human Rights Day). Throughout the campaign, we join with others globally to raise awareness of, and call for an end to, gender-based violence in all forms and in all societies.
The 16 Days of Activism against Gender Based Violence Campaign is an extension of the day-to-day grassroots work of Mothers’ Union, where we work alongside communities to help end gender-based violence and to support those affected by it. Members in Ashtead, together with other branches in the Diocese of Guildford, support Women’s Aid refuges and hostels with twice yearly donations of food, toiletries, bedding etc. and gifts when the families are rehomed.