MOTHERS’ UNION was founded in 1876 by Mary Sumner, a clergy man’s wife, who wanted to help and support the mothers in her husband’s parish with the most important task of bringing up and caring for children. From the first meeting, which was for all mothers, rich and poor, MU has grown into an international movement with over 4 million members in 84 countries and over the past 150 years has actively supported communities worldwide through prayer and faith in action.

Although a part of the Church of England, you do not have to be an Anglican to join MU. You do not have to be a woman or a mother and we have many male members. To join the Mothers’ Union you do however have to be baptised into the Christian Faith and you have to agree with the aims and objectives of the Mothers’ Union.

There has been a branch of the Mothers’ Union here at St. Cuthbert’s since 1928. St. Cuthbert’s Mothers’ Union is part of Whalley Deanery which in turn is part of Blackburn Diocesan Mothers’ Union. The running of the branch is done by a small dedicated committee who share the different roles between themselves. Mothers’ Union is a non profit making charity and we at St. Cuthbert’s do pride ourselves that through our fund-raising events we are able to make donations to support the work of the Mothers’ Union both here in the UK and Overseas. We are particularly pleased to support the Mothers’ Union caravan situated in Morecambe that enables people and families to have a much needed holiday that they could otherwise not afford. Mothers’ Union worldwide campaigns against gender abuse with representation concerning this at the United Nations in New York. Locally, St. Cuthbert’s takes an active part in the MU national “RISE UP campaign against domestic abuse” and has forged a link with a local refuge-the Wish Centre and also Lancashire Women. We collect items of toiletries and other items for both these charities and also supply our local hospitals with toiletries for patients admitted in an emergency.

We are an open and friendly branch and always welcome new members. The majority of our meetings are held on the third Tuesday of the month at 2pm in the vestry of St. Cuthbert’s church. Our meetings sometimes have a visiting speaker but many are led by the members themselves but in every meeting there is a time of prayer and of course a time for tea and cake. If you would like to know more about Mothers’ Union or are interested in joining our branch you can make contact on the number below or chat to one of our members in church. You will be assured of a warm welcome. 

Ann 07930485363