Our history

One of the first women-led organisations, transforming lives around the corner and the world since 1876

Our founder, Mary Sumner

Mothers’ Union began in 1876. Mary Sumner, the wife of a rector in Hampshire, formed a group to support mothers from all backgrounds in bringing up their children. After delivering a speech in 1885 to the Portsmouth Church Congress, she inspired many women present to go back to their parishes and set up similar groups. 

Over time, the groups that met as Mothers’ Union became embedded in their communities. They forged strong links with local people and the Anglican Church. They worked to support one another and give a voice to disadvantaged women while addressing wider societal issues. Driven by Mary Sumner’s passion for the role of women in bringing about a better society, the groups proved very popular. 

By 1892, membership had reached 60,000 in 28 dioceses, which was to grow to 169,000 members by the turn of the century. In 1893, annual general meetings were organised, and, in 1896, Mothers’ Union Central Council was formed. Read more about our history in the timeline below.  

Timeline

With 150 years of history and members across the globe, Mothers’ Union is a powerful movement for change.

1876

Mary Sumner founded Mothers’ Union.

1885

Mary Sumner delivers her first speech at Portsmouth Church Congress.

‘Those that rock the cradle rule the world.’

1886

First overseas branch formed in Christchurch, New Zealand, followed by Canada (1888) and India (1889).

1897

Queen Victoria grants royal patronage in Mary Sumner’s silver jubilee year.

1909

Mothers’ Union becomes Britain’s largest voluntary organisation for women.

1912

The Overseas Committee is formed to advise the Central Council and support global communication and funding.

1918

Although not actively campaigning on the issue, Mothers’ Union publicly celebrates women gaining the vote

‘“The vote is a duty we owe to womankind—a responsibility laid upon us by God… it is not a privilege conferred on us by men, for have not the women of this generation earned it?”’

1921

Mary Sumner dies. August 9 becomes Mary Sumner Day in the Anglican liturgical calendar.

1925

Headquarters, Mary Sumner House, opens in Westminster, London.

1926

Royal Charter granted, giving Mothers’ Union independent legal status.

1929

Mothers’ Union campaigns to raise the minimum legal age of marriage.

1930

First Worldwide Council held in London with 200 attendees and 15 international representatives.

1942

Working alongside organisations such as the National Council of Women (NCW) and the Women’s Institutes (WI), contributed to the wartime Design of Dwellings Committee.

Post-war housing recommendations—including gas/electric appliances and ‘dining kitchens’—are adopted after years of lobbying.

1945

Following lobbying efforts with NCW, WI, and feminist groups, the Family Allowances Act passes, with payments made directly to mothers as opposed to men.

1952

Queen Elizabeth II and The Queen Mother grant royal patronage to Mothers’ Union.

1960

Calls for increasing the widow’s allowance earnings limit. In 1964, the limit is raised to £7, though full abolition is not achieved.

1965

Launch of AFIA (Away From It All) programme, providing holidays for families in need.

1996

At least 125 MU members ordained as priests in the Church of England after Synod approval of women’s ordination.

2000

Gains consultative status at the United Nations on poverty, gender equality, and HIV/AIDS.

2001

International representation added to the Board of Trustees, with three overseas trustees commissioned.

2003

Mothers’ Union is invited to nominate a member-representative to the PEGI Advisory Committee, advising on the age-appropriateness of video games - a position it has held continuously since.

2003

Involved in petitioning and lobbying regarding the Domestic Abuse Bill.

2005

Joins Make Poverty History Campaign.

2005

Joins the Jubilee Debt Campaign advocating for debt relief in the world’s poorest countries

2006

Led a long-standing campaign for the right to request flexible working arrangements for all parents.

Advocacy instrumental in the passage of the Work and Families Act 2006, which introduced this right — a major milestone in UK employment law.

2010

Launch of Bye Buy Childhood, calling on government and marketers to value and protect children from exploitative marketing.

2010

Played a vital, hands-on role in the Sanctuary Pledge movement -

A grassroots effort by churches and faith communities across the UK to offer support and a safe welcome to refugees.

2014

Contributed to the broader policy environment informing the Children and Families Act 2014.

Focused particularly on issues like the sexualisation of children and child welfare, Mothers’ Union produced reports and actively lobbied via MPs and government consultations. The Act introduced key reforms such as the Child Arrangements Programme and mandates on early legal advice, areas MU champions through policy and advocacy work.

2017

Global listening process MULOA (Mothers’ Union Listens, Observes and Acts) launches, with over 200,000 members in 600 dioceses engaging worldwide.

2018

Constitution revised to modernise governance and reflect the global nature of the movement. This includes a Worldwide Board.

2019

First Worldwide Council held outside the UK, in Kigali, Rwanda, concluding the MULOA process and shaping the movement’s future.

2020

Members rally to safeguard the future of MU by raising over £1million for an emergency appeal during Covid.

2024

HRH The Duchess of Edinburgh becomes the royal patron of Mothers’ Union.

2026

Mothers’ Union celebrates 150th anniversary.

Our vision and mission

At the core of all we do is our belief that faith and compassion can transform lives.

Vision and mission

Our people

We are a member-led organisation with a small central staff and an elected Worldwide Board of Trustees

Our people

What we're doing now

The movement today has millions of members worldwide, working together to solve challenges in their local communities. Find out more about what we’re doing now. 

Our work

Filter by type of resource

You can select more than one

Filter by resource type
  • Campaign resource (22)
  • RISE UP (17)
  • faith (7)
  • 16 Days (5)
  • Appeal resource (3)
  • Christmas Appeal (3)
  • Prayer (3)
  • Christmas (2)
  • Advent (1)
  • Church resource (1)
  • Craft activity (1)
  • Governance (1)
  • MU publication (1)