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Celebrating 150 Years of Mothers’ Union
Join Us, Join In! Lighting the Way for Generations to Come.
In 2026, we will celebrate 150 years since Mothers’ Union was founded in the small parish church of Old Alresford, Hampshire, by Mary Sumner a young vicar's wife with a bold vision. She believed that women, regardless of class or status, could come together in faith to support one another and strengthen family life within the Church.
From that single spark of an idea, a global movement was born – and Mothers’ Union has grown to 4 million members across 84 countries. As we look to the future our members will continue working to improve the lives of individuals, families, and communities around the world. At the heart of everything we do will remain our unwavering belief that faith and compassion can transform lives.
As we look ahead to this remarkable milestone, we invite you to be part of it. Whether you're passionate about social justice, prayer, community outreach, or simply want to connect with people who care, there will be a way for you to join us and join in.
Join Us, Join In!
Key Anniversary Events
- 150th Celebratory Service - St Paul’s Cathedral, London. 10th June 2026 at 5:00 PM
- Annual Gathering - The Emmanuel Centre (next to Mary Sumner House). 11th June 2026, 10:30 AM – 4:30 PM
A link to tickets and more information will be available by the end of September 2025. Please check back regularly!
- Global Gathering – South Africa, October 2026
We’re planning a powerful international gathering to mark this historic milestone -and you could be there! In early October 2026, we will come together in South Africa for the Mothers’ Union 150th Anniversary Global Gathering.
This will be more than a celebration - it will be a sacred space for gratitude, growth, and global fellowship taking place over three days.
Confirmation on exact dates, more information and link to tickets will be available shortly. Please check back regularly!
National challenges: be part of the 150th movement
For 150 years, Mothers’ Union members have put faith into action to support women and families facing poverty, violence, and injustice. But many communities will still be hurting — and the world will need MU more than ever.
In 2026, we’ll rise to meet that need. Will you?
Grow Our Movement – The Membership Challenge
We are inviting every diocese to welcome 150 Brand New Members in 2026.
That is 150 new voices, new hearts, and new hands, joining the movement in every part of Britain and Ireland. As Members (or Friends), they will be joining our wonderful movement for the first time.
It is time to reach out to new people and invite them to Join Us and Join In. Welcome them to meetings, events or to volunteer in MU projects and programmes. When they know what we do, they will join!
Grow Our Impact – The Fundraising Challenge
We are offering each diocese £150 in seed funding and challenging them to turn it into £1,500 or more by 31 December 2026!
It is time to get creative…from bake sales to bike rides, coffee mornings to concerts, supper clubs to sponsored prayer walks, your challenge, your way!
Every pound raised will go towards the 150th Anniversary Fund, supporting the life-changing work of Mothers’ Union in Britain and Ireland and in the world’s most vulnerable communities.
Be part of something truly powerful by helping to bring hope, healing, and dignity where it is most needed.
Are you ready to accept the challenge? Commit here: 150th Anniversary - Join us, Join in! challenge
National Activities: June 2026
MU Sunday Takeover
Throughout June, members will take part in local church services, sharing the story and impact of MU in their communities.
MU Big Picnics
Members across the country will host joyful community events - connecting neighbours, sharing food and fellowship, and celebrating faith in action.
Helpful Resources
We will be providing templates, toolkits and promotional materials to support your events.
Check back here for updates!
Be part of this historic moment
Together, we will celebrate the past, connect in the present, and shape the future.
Provincial and diocesan celebrations will be taking place across the globe. Keep an eye on your local MU communications for details. If you are holding an event make sure you are sharing it with MSH by emailing communications@mothersunion.org so we can share the stories of your event.
We can’t wait to see how you will join in!