Susan Gibbin, Trustee, Southwark Mothers’ Union writes:
The founder of Mothers’ Union, Mary Sumner, is marked in our Lectionary on 9 August and is commemorated for her radical vision, her reflection on the importance of motherhood and her call to all women of all social classes to support one another. For me her vision, her faith and her call for action is still relevant today and one we should embrace.
Mary’s vision was a practical approach to support the women in her parish, many of whom were primarily concerned about getting enough food on the table so their children would not starve. She also recognised that the work of many women in the home was not recognised and so she also reached out to men – helping them to be aware of what their women did and to recognise their need to show more respect and love.
Although not a naturally confident woman, Mary was a woman of great faith. It was through her faith that she overcame her nervousness to speak out to inspire others. She was also firm in her belief that through faith and sharing what was in her heart – God would do the rest. The principles on which her work focused included the recognition that faith is the foundation of family life.
Mary was a living example of what she preached. From 1900 onwards, she and the growing membership started to advocate on issues of key importance to families and children – she campaigned to stop children collecting alcohol from public houses for their families, and for the age of marriage for girls to be raised from 12 to 16. She was not afraid to speak up on difficult issues, despite resistance from members of the establishment. She was also not afraid to act outside the social norms, to do what she believed to be right. At a time when unmarried girls with children were condemned and cast out, she cared for and protected her niece and her illegitimate son.
Mary’s dream was for every home to be filled with the light and love of Jesus, and as the Mothers’ Union grew, for the movement to unite many hearts in many lands, nurturing healthy environments for all children.
When she died in August, 1921, 4,000 women attended her funeral, which was a service of Thanksgiving. The last memory was one of her, on her feet in the sunlight, praising God.
She could not have conceived how the seeds which she planted would grow into a movement four million strong, of members in 83 countries, all putting their faith into action to nurture healthy relationships in families and communities and to fight for social justice.
