Celebrating worldwide fellowship: one worldwide family in Christ

After four days of worship, learning, celebration and connection, the Mothers’ Union Worldwide Gathering in Durban came to a close on Saturday 3 October with a message of hope, courage and renewed calling.

With the theme of Celebrating Worldwide Fellowship: One Worldwide Family in Christ, delegates from across the world were reminded that while Mothers’ Union has much to celebrate from its first 150 years, the anniversary is also a moment to look forward.

The day began with the keynote The Future Belongs to the Faithful: Hope, Courage & the Mothers’ Union’s Next 150 Years, from Worldwide President Kathleen Snow. She reminded delegates that the future is built on God’s faithfulness.

‘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 also requires courage: 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 was clear. The next 150 years will not be shaped by a small group of leaders alone. Every member, branch, diocese and province has a part to play.

The Gathering concluded with the Closing Eucharist and Commissioning Service, led by The Most Revd and Rt Hon, Dame Sarah Mullally, Archbishop of Canterbury, accompanied by The Rt Revd Dr Thabo Magkoba, Archbishop of Southern Africa.

The service gave thanks for 150 years of Mothers’ Union and celebrated the acts of love, prayer, friendship and practical service that have shaped its story. As Her Grace said, ‘if you want something doing, ask the Mothers’ Union!’

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.

Luke 10:23 reminds us “Blessed are the eyes that see what you see”. May we all be encouraged, empowered and inspired to carry the work of Mothers’ Union into a new chapter, wherever we are around the world.

The story does not end in Durban; the next chapter is already beginning.