About Us

Vision

The vision of Mothers’ Union of the Anglican Church of Southern Africa is for a society that will be spiritually fulfilled, transformed, outreaching, self-sufficient and empowered members.

We achieve these by:

Developing spiritual growth within families
Empowering members to embark on projects to combat poverty, unemployment and ill health
Making Christ visible through the organization

Mission

The Mothers’ Union is a Christian organisation, which promotes the wellbeing of families worldwide.

We achieve this by:

Helping families to develop in prayer and spiritual growth
Studying and reflecting on family life and marriage and its place in society
Resourcing our members to take practical action to improve conditions for families, both nationally and in the communities in which they live

Objectives

In order to carry out this aim, its objectives are:

To uphold Christ’s teaching on the nature of marriage and promote its wider understanding
To encourage parents to bring up their children in the faith and life of the Church
To maintain a worldwide fellowship of Christians united in prayer, worship and service
To promote conditions in society favourable to stable family life and the protection of children
To help those, whose family life has met with adversity

Mothers’ Union Southern Africa firmly believes that stable families can result in peaceful communities. At the heart of what we do is prayer. When every home of the members of the Mothers’ Union becomes a family prayer cell, there is hope that the children in such homes will embrace the Song of Mary as their song and that they will want to sing that song wherever they go. Prayer is an effective tool that the members have and we should not be disgruntled when it sometimes appears that such prayers are not answered because at other times such prayers have a long-term effect.

Organisational Profile

Our Governance

The Mothers’ Union has a constitution and by-laws that prescribes how, when and by whom certain functions are carried out. Dioceses have their own rules and regulations, which should not contradict the Constitution. Each Parish/Branch must have copies of these documents as they are a useful guide for all leaders. Please file a downloadable sample of the Provincial Constitution. Should you wish to have a full complete copy, please contact our offices or email us via the Contact Us page to order one.

Sample of the Provincial Mothers' Union Constitution

Full copies are available for purchase. Please contact Provincial Mothers' Union to get your copy

Organogram and Structure

Unit Committees

In order to facilitate effective implementation of the objects, Unit Committees have been put in place. They are not mutually exclusive, but overlap and complement one another, they help us to group our activities as we seek practical means to implement the objectives of the Mothers’ Union

Action, Outreach and Social Issues
Finance and Administration
Human Resource Development
Marketing
Prayer and Spirituality

Learn More About Us

Our Beginning

At the beginning of the 19th century, South Africa was of course much in people’s minds, owing to the Boer War. In her report to Central Council in 1901 Mrs Sumner stressed the great need for Mothers’ Union work in South Africa, and a year later, in 1902, she was able to announce: ;
“It is probable that in the course of this year Branches of the Mothers’ Union will be organised in South Africa..

...In several parts of our South African Colonies there are Members who are eager to start work as soon as the state of the country allows of any definite organisation being set on foot. It is felt to be of the greatest importance to the future of the Colony that the home life of our fellow countrymen should be based on the principles which guide the Mothers’ Union”

Two years later, in 1904, Mrs Sumner was able to report to Central Council that “the Mothers’ Union had gained a firm foothold in nearly every British Colony and that it was warmly appreciated”.

In response to an appeal from South Africa for help in organising Mothers’ Union work, arrangement had been made to send out an experienced speaker and organiser, in order that she might travel in various parts of the country and give assistance in the inaugurating Branches. This visit had been very successful, very many meetings had been addressed, and many Branches opened with the willing sanction of the Diocesan Bishop concerned.

Mothers’ Union was born in South Africa in 1904.

Mothers' Union Today

Mothers’ Union in the Anglican Church of Southern Africa has grown beyond the borders of South Africa. it has membership of over 63 000 in four countries and it continues to attract members of different class.

Its unique identity is that, members work together to solve challenges in their local communities, putting their faith into action by acts great and small, giving individuals in need a helping hand and enabling communities to have confidence and skills to transform their lives in a sustainable way.

By helping to restore and strengthen relationships in families and communities; the organisation gives a sense of belonging and acceptance to the stigmatised and vulnerable.