The Mothers' Union (MU), founded by Mary Sumner in 1876, is a Christian organisation with more than 3.6 million members in 78 countries worldwide. The backbone of the MU is its worldwide network of volunteers. Whatever their individual backgrounds, members are related by a commitment to marriage and family. They give their time to generously help others, whether by running local projects, supporting international campaigns, or fundraising.

The MU also employs over 300 paid workers around the world. These are women drawn from local dioceses, so they speak the language, understand the culture and customs and have first-hand experience of the problems their neighbours face. MU workers provide vital leadership for efforts in the community.They enable people to gain essential skills, develop and encourage sustainable self-help projects, and run training seminars for local MU members and the wider community.

One of the projects which MU has been doing over the past three years is the Literacy and Development Programme in Malawi, Sudan and Burundi. This programme enables learners to become literate and numerate as well as gaining skills in health, hygiene, HIV/AIDS and poverty alleviation, and is proving invaluable.

The MU is also involved in campaigning and lobbying on a number of worldwide issues such as parental rights, international debt relief and child poverty. We are happy to be working in partnership with various organisations, including the United Nations and other ecumenical groups.
Prayer is a very important aspect of the Mothers Union; it imbues everything we do. Mary Sumner, the founder of the Mothers Union placed great emphasis on the life of prayer. This is her personal prayer and one which we pray too. .
"All this day, O Lord, let me touch as many lives as possible for thee; and every life I touch, do thou by thy spirit quicken, whether through the word I speak, the prayer I breathe, or the life I live. Amen."

Our vision is of a world where God's love is shown through loving, respectful and flourishing relationships.

Every member is committed to:-

SUPPORTING and promoting married life

ENCOURAGING and equipping parents in their role to develop the faith of their child

BEING a worldwide fellowship of Christians united in prayer, worship and service

CAMPAIGNING for conditions in society favourable to stable family life and the protection of children

HELPING those whose family life has met with adversity

The Tring Branch of the Mothers Union is open to everyone and inclusive of everyone, men and women. We meet once a month in the afternoon, first Thursday of the month at 2.15pm in the parish halll, and also once a month in the evening, usually the fourth Thursday in the month at 7.30pm for 8pm at a member’s home. There is always a planned programme for every meeting. We are 43 members at the present time.

For more information please contact Jill Smith, Branch Leader, 01442 825644 or email jillian.smith@tesco.net