Forward with Banners – 140 years of Mothers’ Union

This year Mothers’ Union celebrates 140 years of faithful Christian outreach to families of all faiths and none. Since 1876, when Mary Sumner first brought together parents in her own parish to build confidence in bringing up their children in the Christian faith, we have grown to an organisation of over four million women and men in over 80 countries of the world.

As part of our celebrations in this diocese, Mothers’ Union are bringing together branch processional banners from right across the county, for an exhibition in the Cathedral.  Many of the banners have been made by past members, showing a high quality of needlework, and have been proudly displayed in parish churches throughout the years, while members serve the local and wider communities, making a real difference to people lives.

Our vision is of a world where God’s love is shown through loving, respectful and flourishing relationships. This is not a vague hope, but a goal we actively pursue by praying, campaigning and enabling. During 2016 over 500,000 people will benefit from Mothers’ Union’s support for family life. Many will know the support of our membership through outreach projects in their local communities.

Mothers’ Union in the Truro Diocese are involved in projects throughout the diocese and support programmes across the world. The “Away From It All” holiday scheme gives families experiencing stressful situations a well-earned break. We work in partnership with “Action for Children” providing practical support for Young Carers and through the Teddy Horsley scheme, children in Church of England Primary School Reception Class are given a knitted bear and a book, these simple stories offer an introduction to spiritual matters.  Through the national Bye Buy Childhood campaign, launched to raise awareness of increasing marketing and sexualisation of children, Mothers’ Union has brought about change in both industry and government.

We also support communities worldwide, creating change and transforming lives, through the Literacy and Education Programme, the Church & Community Mobilisation Process and many other initiatives.

The banners are a wonderful reminder of our past and present, and allow us to reflect on how the organisation has grown. Now, as we go forward, there has never been a more challenging or exciting time to be part of Mothers’ Union.

The Forward with Banners Exhibition is in Truro Cathedral from 2-16 September, Mon – Sat 10-5pm and Sundays 12-4pm and is Free

The poster can be found here.