Connor represented at Mothers’ Union 150th anniversary celebrations

Thursday June 18th 2026

Alison Skillen, Connor Mothers’ Union Diocesan President (back row, second left), with Connor office-bearers and members at the Annual Gathering in the Emmanuel Centre, London, as part of the Mothers’ Union’s 150th anniversary celebrations; back row (from left): Kathleen Rodgers, Irene Gates and Geraldine Montgomery; front row (from left): Norma Bell, Roslyn Graham, Jacqui McLoughlin and Cathy Doig. (Photo: Wendy Halligan)

Report by the Rev Clifford Skillen

A special Sung Eucharist took place in St Paul’s Cathedral, London, on Wednesday June 10 to celebrate and give thanks for the 150^th anniversary of Mothers’ Union in Britain and Ireland.

The organisation – founded in 1876 by Mary Sumner in the rectory of Old Alresford parish, Hampshire, where her husband was rector – was initially designed to bring mothers of all backgrounds together to support each other in home and family life and motherhood.

Today, Mothers’ Union has around four million members spread over more than 80 countries seeking to uphold the values of marriage and family life; support and transform individuals and communities worldwide through programmes and projects designed to meet local needs; challenge gender-based violence, injustice and prejudice; and promote peace and reconciliation – and all rooted in prayer and Christian faith lived out in practical action.

Although the service sought to encompass the founding of Mothers’ Union in Britain and Ireland, the organisation in Ireland was not actually founded until 1887 by Annabella Hayes in Raheny, Dublin. Mothers’ Union in Ireland is planning a number of special events and services to mark this 140^th anniversary next year.

PACKED CATHEDRAL

St Paul’s Cathedral was packed to capacity with Mothers’ Union members from Britain and Ireland and farther afield. The congregation was welcomed by the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Rev and Rt Hon Dame Sarah Mullally, who introduced the service and subsequently presided at the celebration of Holy Communion.

Mothers’ Union in Ireland was led by Kay Clarke, the All Ireland President, along with a number of Diocesan Presidents, office-bearers and branch members from all over the island.

Alison Skillen, Connor MU Diocesan President, pictured with the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Rev and Rt Hon Dame Sarah Mullally, following a Service of Thanksgiving in St Paul’s Cathedral, London, on June 10 to mark the 150th anniversary of the founding of Mothers’ Union in Britain and Ireland.

Connor Diocese was represented by its President, Alison Skillen, accompanied by seven diocesan office-bearers and members: Norma Bell, Cathy Doig, Irene Gates, Roslyn Graham, Geraldine Montgomery, Jacqui McLoughlin and Kathleen Rodgers.

‘POWERHOUSE’

In her sermon, Archbishop Mullally focused her thoughts on the Epistle and Gospel readings – Ephesians 3: 14-24 and Matthew 5: 13-16 respectively.

Praising Mothers’ Union as ‘the powerhouse of the Anglican Communion,’ the Archbishop affirmed its outreach – ‘ a vehicle of transformation … rooted in kindness and compassionate actions … sharing the good news … bringing hope to thousands.’

She drew comparisons between the importance of salt and light and the value of the work of Mothers’ Union and reminded members that ‘the ordinary, everyday things make an extraordinary difference.’

The Archbishop ended by praying that members worldwide would remain ‘rooted and grounded’ in the generosity of Christ’s love and the riches of his grace so that they would continue to make a ‘profound impact’ throughout the world as they had for the past 150 years of faithful service and commitment.

ANNUAL GATHERING

The following day, members came together again for the 150^th Year Annual Gathering in the Emmanuel Centre, beside Mary Sumner House in Westminster, in the words of a Mothers’ Union post on Facebook, ‘to share and celebrate our legacy, showcase our present and shine a light on our future work and impact.’

These aims formed the focus of the day’s programme, as members of staff from Mary Sumner House and representatives from many dioceses across England gave presentations on topics related to the ongoing life and work of Mothers’ Union.

FAMILIAR FACES

Faces familiar to the Irish delegates were Lady Eames, a former Worldwide President, who gave a brief overview of her time as Worldwide President; June Butler MBE, a former All Ireland President, and the current Worldwide Trustee, Zone 1 (All Ireland), who shared with the Provincial President of Wales, Sue Rivers, a presentation on ‘Standing Strong: MU addressing domestic violence through the years’ (June had also shared in the intercessions in St Paul’s Cathedral); and Canon Jen McWhirter, of Clogher Diocese and an All Ireland Trustee, who was a member of the Annual Gathering committee and led the closing intercessions.

‘WONDERFUL MILESTONE’

Connor Diocesan President Alison Skillen said: “It was a privilege to be present at the service in St Paul’s and the Annual Gathering to give thanks for this wonderful milestone in the history of Mothers’ Union.

“We all felt affirmed in our work and uplifted by a sense of faithfulness, fellowship and prayer as we looked to the work that lies ahead on the next stage of our Mothers’ Union journey lighting the way for future generations.”

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