On the evening of June 10, Mothers’ Union celebrated 150 years of faith, service and transformation at a special anniversary service at St Paul’s Cathedral in London. It gathered over 1500 members, senior church leaders, supporters and partners from across the Anglican Communion and charity sector.
It was an important celebration of a movement which has grown from a small parish initiative in Hampshire, to a global Christian organisation of four million members in over 80 countries. The service gave thanks for the vision of Mary Sumner and the countless members who have sustained the movement over 150 years. It also marked the beginning of the next chapter in Mothers’ Union’s story as it continues to grow its impact across the Anglican Communion and beyond.
The sermon at the anniversary service was given by the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Revd and Rt Hon Dame Sarah Mullally, who is Patron of Mothers’ Union. Her sermon reflected on the movement’s legacy of prayer, practical action and advocacy, as well as thanking those who have worked hard over many years in their mission to end poverty, injustice and violence.
Welcoming those present, Archbishop Sarah shared: ‘It is an absolute joy to be able to celebrate with you 150 years of the Mothers’ Union. We are so grateful that you have rolled up your sleeves and got stuck in. You have made such a difference, not just to the church, [but] to your communities and to the world. You are salt and light and we are grateful.’
Speaking ahead of the service, Archbishop Sarah said: ‘In 1876, Mary Sumner, the wife of an Anglican vicar in Hampshire, put her faith into action, believing that women from all backgrounds could support one another in strengthening their communities.
‘150 years on, and driven by the unwavering conviction that faith and compassion can transform lives, the Mothers’ Union now has millions of members across the globe. From programmes designed to tackle modern slavery, to work in prisons connecting prisoners with their relatives, and schemes providing trips and holidays to families in need, the Mothers’ Union is a real lifeline.
‘I am thrilled to join members for this extraordinary milestone at St Paul's Cathedral, celebrating the journey so far and the road that lies ahead, as women from all over the world work towards ending poverty, violence and social injustice in their communities.’
Kathleen Snow, the Worldwide President of Mothers’ Union, also spoke at the service in St Paul's. During 2026, she has undertaken a challenge to do 15 10-kilometre runs in 2026 in various dioceses around the world to raise funds and spotlight Mothers’ Union’s worldwide fellowship.
At the service, Kathleen spoke about the strength and courage that Mothers’ Union founder Mary Sumner found in God to ‘step out of the boat’ and begin a supportive network of women in her parlour, 150 years ago. ‘So many of us never expect to be where we are, in leadership positions or doing His work as His hands and His feet and His heart, but His love endures forever and this carries us on. The Holy Spirit equips us to do this. He plants people around us to encourage us…Mary Sumner knew this when she gathered those few women together.’
Reflecting on the significance of the milestone year, Kathleen recently paid tribute to the global movement and its members, both past and present, saying ‘Mothers’ Union has always been about connection; the belief that it takes a village to support communities, and that we are that village, a global one. From Mary Sumner’s vision of women coming together across backgrounds and experience, we have grown into a worldwide movement of faith, prayer and action.
‘As we mark 150 years, we give thanks for that legacy, but also for the impact of Mothers’ Union today, standing alongside families, and campaigning on serious issues including gender-based violence, poverty and injustice. Wherever we are in the world, we continue to bring hope, advocate for change and build communities rooted in dignity, justice and love.’
Wednesday’s celebration at St Paul’s is one of the major events Mothers’ Union have planned for 2026 to mark their 150th year. It precedes an international celebration which will be held in Durban, South Africa, between 30 September and 3 October.
The Secretary General Commends Mothers' Union
The Secretary General of the Anglican Communion, The Rt Revd Anthony Poggo, wrote a commendation for Mothers' Union in the Service Booklet.
'It is a great pleasure to offer my warm congratulations as you mark the 150th anniversary of The Mothers' Union (MU), whose remarkable work has made a lasting difference to communities across the Anglican Communion and around the world.
For 150 years, you have responded with compassion and determination to the needs of families and communities across diverse contexts. Over that time, your work has grown into a truly global movement, rooted in partnership, mutual learning, and a shared commitment to human dignity and justice.
Across the Anglican Communion, your presence is widely recognised and deeply valued. By working alongside local churches and communities in more than 80 countries, you have demonstrated the strength of collaboration grounded in faith, respect, and long-term relationship. This approach reflects the very best of our Communion life: connected across cultures, attentive to local realities, and united in service. I have witnessed the work and impact of the Mothers’ Union first-hand in my travel across the Anglican Communion. This was also the case when I was a Diocesan Bishop in South Sudan.
This anniversary offers an opportunity to give thanks for all who have contributed to this work over many generations, for members whose dedication and generosity have sustained and shaped the MU's mission, providing Christian care for families. Your commitment is a powerful witness to faith lived out through action and sets a great example for us all.
As you celebrate this significant milestone, it is my prayer that the MU will continue to grow and thrive in the years ahead, deepening its impact, strengthening its partnerships, and responding with wisdom and compassion to the changing needs of the communities you serve. May you be sustained by hope, guided by faith, and encouraged by all that has been achieved, as you continue this vital work for generations to come.'
Mothers’ Union and the Anglican Communion
Mothers’ Union has a far-reaching influence and impact on communities around the Anglican Communion. The movement’s mission seeks to transcend denomination or geography to work with people of all faiths and none in transforming lives, strengthening families and communities and advocating for meaningful change.
Members are well-known for speaking out against violence and conflict and establishing local grassroots initiatives to combat the cycle of poverty and injustice of all kinds. In many communities, Mothers’ Union are known to be a trusted source of information in times of confusion, distrust and crisis, as well as providing pastoral and practical support rooted in kindness and faith.
More information
Learn more about the vision and mission or history of Mothers’ Union