Mothers’ Union has concluded a four-day event in Durban, South Africa, to mark its 150th anniversary (30 September – 3 October). Themed‘Celebrating Worldwide Fellowship: One Worldwide Family in Christ’, it gathered delegates from across the world to honour the legacy of its service to women, family and community life and look forward to the next chapter.

On October 3, the final day of the event, the Worldwide President of Mothers’ Union, Kathleen Snow, gave the keynote address titled, ‘The Future Belongs to the Faithful: Hope, Courage and the Mothers’ Union’s Next 150 Years’.

Kathleen said, ‘This anniversary is not simply a celebration of longevity; it is a testimony to God’s continuing presence. We have heard much about listening and walking alongside each other and in our communities, and that is what has made a difference to our communities.’

Looking to the future requires courage, participants heard. Courage to listen, to adapt and to make space for new voices, while remaining rooted in the values that have shaped Mothers’ Union from the beginning. Kathleen’s message affirmed that the next 150 years will not be shaped by a small group of leaders, but every member, branch, diocese and province has a part to play.

Anglicans joined from around the world to celebrate

The gathering concluded with the Closing Eucharist and Commissioning Service, led by the Most Revd and Rt Hon, Dame Sarah Mullally, Archbishop of Canterbury, who was accompanied by the Most Revd Dr Thabo Makgoba, Archbishop of Cape Town and Primate of Southern Africa.

The service gave thanks for 150 years of Mothers’ Union and celebrated the acts of prayer, friendship and practical service that have shaped its story. Speaking of the organisation’s reputation for practical and timely action, Archbishop Sarah said in her address, ‘If you want something doing, ask the Mothers’ Union!’

The Rt Revd Vicentia Kgabe, Bishop of Pretoria in South Africa, was also present at the celebration event and delivered an address on October 2 titled ‘The Church as Agent of Justice: From Charity to Transformation’. Bishop Vicentia later shared on social media that ‘Being present and participating in the Worldwide Mothers’ Union 150th Anniversary celebration has been an extraordinary blessing and a deeply moving moment. This is history being celebrated on African soil… We celebrate not only an organisation but a community of women whose faith has nurtured families, strengthened churches and transformed communities… What a time to be alive. What a time to be African. What a time to belong to this worldwide Anglican family!’

What next for Mothers’ Union?

A spokesperson for Mothers’ Union stated, ‘As our anniversary year continues, the closing service marked both an ending and a beginning. The past 150 years provide a foundation, but the challenges facing families and communities continue to change. The gathering had given delegates space to listen to those challenges, hear from different generations and contexts and reflect on how faith can be lived out through action.

‘The next chapter will need the experience of those who have carried Mothers’ Union this far, alongside the energy, ideas and leadership of a new generation. It requires a message of sending. Go, light the way. Go back to our churches and communities. Go back to our families and branches. Go with faith, courage, compassion and hope. And continue the work that has connected Mothers’ Union across the world for 150 years: praying, serving, speaking up and standing alongside families and communities.’

More information

Learn about the history of Mothers’ Union.

See an article by Revd Canon Dr Rachel Mash about the Mothers' Union ‘Eco-champs’ initiative.