The Mother's Union was founded in 1876 by an English
woman, Mary Sumner. When her first child was born,
she was overwhelmed by what she saw as the awesome
responsibility of parents, not only in caring for
their children's physical well-being, but also for
their spiritual nurturing and growth.
 About
Mary Sumner
Born Mary Heywood in 1828 near Manchester, Mary Sumner
grew up in the beautiful surroundings of Hope End,
in Herefordshire. The Christian atmosphere of her
family home meant daily scripture and prayers formed
the basis for her life in service to others.
She met and fell in love with George Sumner, the
youngest son of the bishop of Winchester when they
met in Rome where she was completing her musical education
and they married in July 1848.
In 1876, when she became a grandmother, she decided
that a new organisation was needed in the parish and
the first branch of the Mothers’ Union was begun.
She believed that motherhood involved more than providing
for the physical needs of children. The primary responsibility
of mothers was to raise their children in the love
of God with their lives firmly rooted in prayer.
A historic decision was made by Bishop Ernest Wilberforce
of Newcastle in 1885 when he called on Mary to speak
at the Portsmouth Church Congress. The meeting responded
to her passion and conviction with a rousing ovation
and so was born the diocesan organisation we know
today.
 The
Mothers’ Union movement began in the USA in
1986 with the founding of the first branch in Boston,
Massachusetts, by Mazel Medley. The organization gradually
spread throughout the USA, and on January 18, 2003,
held the first meeting of its executive membership,
officially establishing the Province of the United
States of America.
Currently, there are ten (10) branches throughout
the country in the following states--Florida, New
York, New Jersey, Maryland, Massachusetts, and Washington.
The members of the Mothers’ Union USA represent
a wide range of age and interests. Membership offers
fellowship and prayerful support through regular branch
meetings, worship and seminars.
The members of the Mothers’ Union USA are involved
in a variety of projects including; scholarships for
the youths, marriage celebrations, quiet days, and
fund- raisers to assist needy families and work in
association with organizations on outreach and enrichment
projects.
It now has more than one million members in 70 countries.
We are the largest voluntary worldwide women’s
organization with 122,000 members in the UK alone.
The Mothers’ Union plays an important role in
the religious life and social policies of many countries,
with our members committed to supporting the family.
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