Mothers' Union started in the Riverina over one hundred years ago. There are now branches in Broken Hill, Griffith, Leeton, Hay and Coolamon. In addition there are eight lone members in areas where there is not a local branch.

MU Australia is part of the World Wide Mothers' Union which has over 4 million people in 81 different countries within the Anglican Communion. Members carry out ministry in support of marriage and family life. Members are united in prayerful support of marriage and its place in society, practical support for families, affirming and empowering families and providing resources to families for spiritual growth. Members are encouraged to know and develop their relationships in MU, to nurture others in the Christian faith, and provide action to improve conditions for families. The purpose of MU is to be especially concerned with all that strengthens and preserves marriage and Christian family life. Its Aim is the advancement of the Christian religion in the sphere of marriage and family life.

The five objects are:

1.. To uphold Christ's teaching on the nature of marriage and to promote its wider understanding.

2.. To encourage parents to bring up their children in the faith and life of the Church.

3.. To maintain a world wide fellowship of Christians united in prayer, worship and service.

4.. To promote conditions in society favourable to stable family life and the protection of children

5.. To help those family life has met with adversity.

Riverina members participate in a variety of branch activities including prayer meetings, church activities, hospital visiting, services and activities fro preschoolers, involvement in baptism programmes, court comfort, and various other activities. Within MU Australia there are the following departments;

These departments are extremely encouraging and supply many ideas and resources to stimulate members as they endeavour to fulfil MU objects.

Marcia Ashworth
Riverina Diocesan President

updated 15/12/2008