IF I could ask you what The Mothers Union (MU) is today, I’d be surprised to get many correct answers.
It was founded in 1876 by a Church of England vicar’s wife to support marriage and family life in this country.
Now it exists in 80 lands and has some 4 million members, the largest numbers in India and across Africa.
In many places it is the main organisation providing services people look to the church for – not just religious, but also in various areas of social and health care and education.
Alongside other valued charities it contributes to the welfare of peoples lacking the range of public services we have long taken for granted.
With recent cutbacks in the financial support previously provided by some of the rich nations, the need that the MU seeks to meet in its many locations is greater than ever.
Our All Saints branch has existed for 135 years and continues to do its best to support the vital work both at home and overseas.
Although the MU here now includes men as members (myself among them), it still offers an amazing example, in many diverse settings, of how uniquely powerful for good are women inspired by God and caring for the wellbeing of God’s children.
Given that the life of us all starts with the care of our mother, this is perhaps hardly surprising.
Colin James is Honorary Priest at All Saints’ Church, where Sunday services take place at: 9.30am.
For information, visit: allsaintswokingham.org.uk
