You are here
Mothers' Union former Worldwide President, Lynne Tembey, honoured by Liverpool Hope University
Liverpool Hope University has awarded an Honorary Senior Fellowship to Lynne Tembey, former Worldwide President of Mothers’ Union.
18 Feb 2020
Lynne hails from Cumbria and has spent 40 years helping countless families through Mothers' Union charitable projects across the globe, stepping down as our Worldwide President in 2018.
Below, in her own words, Lynne describes her compelling work.
Mothers’ Union is Alive
Lynne says: “Today, the Mothers’ Union is alive in 84 countries, with a membership of four million. And what do we do? We do the small, and the great.
“Gender-based violence, and peace and reconciliation, is one of the big programmes we’re involved with. And we encourage members to speak out if they see, or experience, any form of injustice.”
Since 2000, the Mothers’ Union has had a recognised voice at the United Nations, as they ‘lobby, campaign and speak to governments on particular issues.’
She adds: “And governments are listening. More and more people are recognising humanity’s inhumanity and saying, ‘this is not right’.”
Literacy and Development
In 2000, Lynne helped to launch the Mothers’ Union Literacy and Development Programme, a scheme primarily operating in Burundi, Malawi and Sudan, to help locals learn to read and write.
For Lynne, the implications are huge. She adds: “For one thing, it means not being cheated at the market anymore.
“And one horror story we once heard was a mum who sadly gave the wrong medication to her child because she couldn’t read the label. The child died.
“Now we have women who are very literate, and are teaching others how to read and write.
“We want people to stand on their own two feet, to raise them out of abject poverty and hopelessness, and into a better future.”
Male and Female Prison Work
Closer to home, one of the key Mothers’ Union programmes in the UK sees members working in male and female prisons.
Lynne says: “We’ve created creches so that little ones can be looked after while mum or dad can go and visit, and we also speak to inmates on a one-to-one basis.
“Some have come to faith from conversations with Mothers’ Union members.
“One inmate even told us, ‘It’s the first time in my life that anybody has seen me as a human being’. And that’s what we should be doing.”
Help for the Unemployed
On a more local level, unemployment - and the effect that has on families - is a chief and pressing concern.
One Mothers’ Union scheme is called ‘Away From it All’, where Mothers’ Union works with social services and the Church, to enable a family to have a break. Discretion is vital.
Lynne explains: “It is terribly confidential. Maybe your next door neighbour has benefitted, and you wouldn’t know. Which is very special and very much needed.”
Speaking about the award of her honorary Senior Fellowship from Hope, Lynne adds: “It is such an incredible gift that’s been bestowed upon me.
“I feel terribly privileged, and terribly unworthy.”
A Humble Servant within the World
During her time as the Worldwide President, Lynne visited 23 provinces within the Anglican Communion, listening to the joys and concerns of members.
In addition to this award from Liverpool Hope University, she has been awarded the Cross of St Augustine (in 2018) and received an OBE in the New Year’s Honours list 2019 for services to Mothers’ Union and women.
What is obvious from Lynne’s response to receiving the most recent award is that she has a great deal of grace and humility. This is matched by her dynamic work ethic and dedicated passion for the causes she is involved in.
As to what drives her, Lynne credits Mothers’ Union with uplifting and inspiring her, as well as showing her how to live her life by serving God and His worldwide church. We should all aspire to live a life as conscientiously as this.
