On Saturday 14 September, the Cathedral hosted the Mothers Union Diocesan Festival, with representatives of all the branches from across the Diocese coming together to worship, commission their new president and chaplain, and to admit new members.
This special service takes place every three years, and the very special new member to be admitted this year was Bishop Debbie, who having been a member of the Mothers Union previously, was readmitted as a Diocesan member alongside Vanessa and Andrew.
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The MU was founded in 1876 by Mary Sumner, who wanted to create an organisation that would support mothers of all kinds as they brought up children in the Christian Faith. Since then it has evolved into a diverse and inclusive international movement of 400 million, working together for a future where everyone thrives. Members are not just mothers, or even women. They are single, married, parents, grandparents, or young adults just beginning to express their social conscience.
Bishop Debbie gave her thanks for the work of the MU in the Diocese, saying how important the movement is in responding to the needs of their own communities. Having visited MU branches in many places from Scotland to Africa, Bishop Debbie reflected on the range of responses she had seen. In some areas MU members help families visiting loved ones in prison, in other areas they are providing additional support packages for disadvantages families during school holidays, or providing a much needed break for those who have never had the opportunity to enjoy family holidays.
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On a national level, local MU branches are also involved in campaigning to end domestic abuse and increase literacy for women worldwide. These campaigns, which unite members across the country have achieved amazing results, including persuading retail giant Primark to withdraw some of their items of children’s clothing after the MU’s successful Bye Buy Childhood campaign. This was borne out of the MU’s belief that children should be valued as children, not consumers.
In our parishes the MU support our Clergy in their ministry and mission. Members are involved in all church roles including lay ministry, leading intercessions, service and parish administration. They pray for all ministry for children and young people and offer baptism support for parents. They help those who need help by supporting local food banks and the Daylight Centre in Wellingborough, which was founded by the MU and supports disadvantaged and vulnerable adults, particularly those who are homeless.
If you would like to consider joining the MU, find out more here: https://www.mothersunion.org/diocese/peterborough