The diocese is divided into four archdeaconries: Sarum, Wilts, Dorset and Sherborne. Each area is headed by an Archdeaconry Chairman.

Each archdeaconry is sub-divided into separate deaneries who in turn have a Deanery Chairman to co-ordinate the Branches.

Branches are groups of members attached to an individual parish or benefice. They will usually meet on a monthly basis, in a church room, hall or other suitable place. Their meetings are open to anyone, not just Mothers' Union members.

For a history of the Mothers' Union in the  Salisbury Diocese click here

The Mothers' Union is organised into Units which provide specific help and support in many different ways. 

Click here for more details

To find out about Action in the diocese, click here

For membership information, click here

The Sarum Almanac and Diocesan Calendar for 1887 states: "This Union has been formed as a help to Mothers and others in a position of responsibility."

On October 29th 1895 at a General Meeting for workers and ladies interested in the Womens' Union, the bishop said that he thought the time had come for the Union to have a settled constitution. There were now over 4,000 members in the diocese.

The first President of The Womens' Union as listed on the board in the present MU Office was Esther Wordsworth in 1892. By 1922 Mary Wordsworth was listed as The Mothers' Union President.

A boxed record (1901 Illuminated M.S.) of the organisation and rules, is held at Wiltshire Record Office, Trowbridge.

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Mothers' Union Units in the Diocese of Salisbury

Faith & Policy - the support of Mothers' Union on which all other units depend for their strength.  Daily prayer support, annual retreats and the continuous 'Wave of Prayer' world-wide.

Action & Outreach - putting our faith into practice with community projects. In a variety of ways we are able to reach out to those in need of help or support. [More]

Marketing - promoting our public image through the media, recruiting membership and publicising events and projects.  MUEnterprises promotes the sale of cards and other goods.

Training - helping members take a full part in Mothers' Union.

Administration & Finance - the heart of the diocese which runs the office, keeps the paperwork up-to-date and complies with the Charity Commissioners' regulations.  

The Action and Outreach Unit 

Worldwide,   Media,   Trustees' Priorities,   Young Families.

Worldwide

This part of the unit deals with our concern and links for our Worldwide brothers and sisters. Mothers' Union is a worldwide organisation with members in 60 countries across the globe.   

1.  In the Diocese of Salisbury we are linked to:

Bendigo and Gippsland Dioceses in Australia;

Nakuru in Kenya;  

Bor, Kadugli, Khartoum, Mundri, Rumbek and Wau Dioceses in Sudan;

  We also have a link with the Diocese of Manchester in the Province of York

2.  The annual Wave of Prayer is held from 26th - 31st July each year.  Many branches and deaneries have a link with a branch or place from another country and members take turns in writing letters during the year.

3.   In 2007  members in Salisbury Diocese raised over £15,000 for World-wide Projects (this money is distributed by the central World-wide Grants Committee) and  over £3,500  for the Overseas Relief Fund for Emergencies.  

4.  As part of their Worldwide project work, members in the diocese make stoles for ordinands in the Sudan.  A simple pack is available from the office in Salisbury. 

5.  We have representatives on the Diocesan Sudan Committee (the Salisbury Diocese has a special link with the whole of the Sudan).

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Media

As a result of our concern for children and family members are encouraged to speak up positively where there are areas of concern in our media.  Whether it is an article in a newspaper, a television programme screened at an inappropriate time or children's use of computers.  However, to balance negative criticism we also encourage members to speak up when there is something particularly good in the press! Branches make use of the excellent resource produced by MSH entitled 'Switched On!'

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Trustees' Priorities

The Trustees have highlighted the priorities of marriage, parenting and Social Policy as areas upon which a focus will be made.

Mothers' Union is a campaigning organisation and as a body we are often asked to respond to government consultation papers.  In this part of the unit we also put into practice our concerns for all aspects of family life.

1.  AFIA (Away from it all Holidays)  We have one caravan at Durdle Door (on the Dorset coast), which is available to rent throughout the summer.  Members arrange a Family Summer Holiday for a week  for those who otherwise would not have a holiday.

2.  SCIP (Supporting Families and Children Affected by Imprisonment) members in the Diocese of Salisbury who live near a prison help in the visitors' play areas or serve refreshments.

1.  Parenting courses, toddler groups, young members groups and holiday clubs are to name but a few of the areas where Mothers' Union is involved with young families.  All approaches endeavour to make a positive contribution to the welfare and development of young children and to enhance the nurturing of each individual. 

2.  A Marriage Preparation Resource, "Journeying Together" was produced in partnership with the diocesan FLAME (Family Life & Marriage Education) Committee and is now promoted by Mothers' Union across the diocese and beyond.

3. We have a display and resource material for use at marriage fairs when we challenge prospective couples:  "Wedding - think church"

In many parishes we play an important role in the life of the parish, supporting clergy in areas such as baptism preparation or running Parent and Toddler groups or crèches. With over 2,500 members in 105 branches we are also able to support a number of diocesan projects with finances, prayer and resources.

• We have one caravan at Durdle Door which we let for a 20 week season each summer to families who need a holiday.

• We run a Family Holiday each August  for 100 people who benefit from the support of the volunteer team; someone to talk to, to entertain the children while the parent (s) have a time to themselves, for children to join in group activities.

• Our Spring Retreat is usually held at Glastonbury. In 2008 we have arranged a mid-week retreat during May at Glastonbury, and a weekend retreat in October at Warminster.

• We are linked with ten dioceses throughout the world, including Manchester. 

• We supply ongoing financial support and special requests for goods and clothes to the Womens' Refuge in Salisbury.

• We knit premature baby clothes for a number of neo-natal units at our local hospitals, because prem. baby clothes are unavailable in the shops.

• We sew clerical stoles for the new ordinands in the Sudan.

• We have an active input at two of the prisons within our diocese: in the Visitors Centre with refreshments or with activities for children. (SCIP: The Supporting Children and Families Affected by Imprisonment Scheme).

• We welcome visitors from our overseas links whenever they can come to see us. In branches we maintain 84 individual branch links throughout the world, which fosters the Union and strengthens our prayer life and love for each other. In July 2008 we look forward to welcoming the wives of the 24 bishops of Sudan. A programme of activities is being prepared to offer them hospitality, to share worship and stories during the two weeks prior to the Lambeth Conference.

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Membership of  Mothers' Union is open to all who have been baptised in the name of the Holy Trinity and who share our belief in the importance of Christian family life. Now, or in the future, you may want to become more involved, to give your support to our work and add your voice to our own.

Membership offers opportunities for:

• Meeting, working and sharing with others

• Demonstrating your commitment to Christian family life

• Becoming involved with projects helping your own community

• Running schemes that provide a resource for your parish

• Campaigning to improve conditions for families

• Exploring and developing your own spirituality

• Coming to retreats and festivals

• Contributing to society's debate on family issues

• Being part of a global fellowship linking members around the world.

In our diocese we offer three types of membership, three "packages" with differing commitments, but equal in value.

Via your local branch if you are active and want to attend monthly meetings and support activities and projects in your own parish.

As a Diocesan Member you will be kept fully informed of the diocesan projects and invited to support your local deanery events.

As a member of the Indoor Members' Prayer Circle we would value your prayer support for all Mothers' Union work, home and abroad.

Why not become a Friend of Mothers' Union? There is an opportunity to support our diocesan projects by becoming a friend. Your interest and financial contribution would be much appreciated. Contact the Office for full details.

If you are interested in finding out more about these types of membership, do contact your local branch, or the Diocese of Salisbury Mothers' Union Office.

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