11/09/2026
This year, Mothers’ Union marks 150 years since it was founded in the small parish church of Old Alresford, Hampshire, by Mary Sumner – a home-educated young vicar’s wife with a powerful vision. She dreamed of women, regardless of class or status, coming together in faith to support one another and strengthen family life within the Church.
From that small spark of an idea, a global movement was born. Today, 150 years later, Mothers’ Union has grown to around four million members in 84 countries, working to improve the lives of individuals, families and communities around the world. At the heart of all they do is a belief that faith and compassion can transform lives.
“Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)
And shine a light is exactly what our members do. Across the Diocese of Leicester, in the city of Leicester and throughout the county of Leicestershire, Mothers’ Union members support some of the most vulnerable people in our communities.
Each year, they help provide a holiday for disadvantaged families, collect gifts and Easter eggs for children with parents in prison, donate essential supplies for babies and new mothers through Baby Basics Leicester, knit teddy bears for Women’s Aid Leicester and other charities, and contribute food and practical items to support Saffires in its work caring for women involved in Leicester’s s*x industry.
They also speak out against injustice, raising awareness of issues such as modern-day slavery, domestic abuse and gender inequality, while holding those affected in prayer. Their work is guided by three core pillars of transformation: Ending Violence, Ending Injustice and Ending Poverty.
Read more: https://buff.ly/UD6IX4i
