Message from our Royal Patron

As Patron of Mothers' Union it gives me great pleasure to offer my warm congratulations on the occasion of the charity's 150th anniversary.

For one hundred and fifty years, the movement has remained true to the vision and values of our founder, Mary Sumner, growing into a remarkable global movement of more than four million members across over 80 countries. This enduring commitment to ending poverty, ending injustice, and ending violence has made a profound difference to the lives of families and communities around the world.

This anniversary provides the opportunity to reflect on the extraordinary impact achieved over many generations, and to recognise the dedication, compassion, and determination of all those who have contributed to the charity's work. I extend my sincere thanks to the members, volunteers, partners, and supporters whose efforts have sustained and strengthened the movement throughout its history.

As we mark this significant milestone, I commend your continued commitment to serving individuals and families, and addressing the challenges faced by communities across the globe.

I send my very best wishes for the charity's continued success in the years ahead, and for the important work that lies ahead.

Sophie

HRH The Duchess of Edinburgh GCVO

Message from our Patron

It is a great honour to offer my congratulations as you mark the 150th anniversary of this remarkable charity, and a privilege to do so as I take up my role as your Patron.

This is a significant and joyful year for us both. As you reflect on one hundred and fifty years of faithful service, I do so at the beginning of my ministry as Archbishop of Canterbury, conscious of the shared call we bear to leadership grounded in justice, compassion, and the dignity of every person.

Since I began my ministry, I have had the opportunity to observe your work both here in Britain and Ireland and across the Anglican Communion. I have seen first-hand the depth of your commitment to addressing gender-based violence and to empowering women and girls through education, literacy, and numeracy. This work transforms lives: it enables women to lead with confidence, to advocate for themselves and others, and to build stronger families and communities rooted in hope.

Your ministry speaks powerfully to the Christian conviction that all people are made in the image of God, and that violence, inequality, and injustice have no place in the world God desires. By investing in women's leadership and education, you not only challenge systems of harm, but help to shape a future marked by dignity, peace, and shared flourishing.

I give thanks for the vision of your founder Mary Sumner and for the countless members, staff, volunteers, and supporters whose faithfulness over the past 150 years has sustained and grown this global movement.

Your presence across more than 80 countries stands as a testament to what is possible when faith is lived out through action.

As you look to the future, may you continue to be strengthened by partnership, renewed in purpose, and guided by hope. I send my prayers and very best wishes for your continued work, and for the women, families, and communities you serve across the world.

The Most Revd and Rt Hon. Dame Sarah Mullally

Archbishop of Canterbury

It is a delight to celebrate this special milestone with you, not only as your Worldwide President, but also as a fellow member of over 38 years.

Reaching our 150th anniversary as a movement is not just a mark of time, but a testament to faithful hearts, steady hands, and the many women and men who have walked together in prayer and purpose.

As a member of Mothers' Union, I have seen how powerful it is when we gather in fellowship, not simply as individuals, but as a community, a family that supports one another, encourages one another, and holds one another up in prayer. That same spirit of togetherness is at the heart of our movement.

Our work is sustained by more than programmes and projects although these are so important); it is sustained by the bonds we share, in churches, in homes, and in communities across the world. It is the simple, quiet acts of love: a prayer offered, a hand held, a shared meal, a listening ear. These are the moments that build hope and strengthen families.

On this anniversary, I give thanks for every person who has been part of our journey. We celebrate the fellowship that has carried us through 150 years, and the shared belief that we are better together.

May we continue to grow in friendship, prayer, and service, and may God bless our work and all who join in it, now and in the years ahead.

Kathleen Snow

Mothers' Union Worldwide President