MU Australia - President |
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Mrs
Deane Bray |
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MU and YOU – MISSION in ACTION, 9th Sept 2005
Mary Sumner gave us a gift, MU, which we as members often fail to unwrap, or when we unwrap it, we fail to share the Vision and Mission opportunities contained in it.
In his address to the Provincial Presidents of MU, Archbishop Rowan Williams, described MU as the 5th instrument of unity in the Anglican Church.
On Sunday, 7 August, an article by Abp Rowan Williams in The Independent was headed:
“FORGET THE TEA AND CAKES. HOW THE MOTHERS’ UNION IS RIDING TO THE RESCUE OF AFRICA.”
The article is about debt reduction and commends MU for the work being done at the grassroots level. Here the Vision is in action. Members pray and work together to improve life for families World wide.
Here in Australia our Bishops are working to implement mission and ministry in ways that suit the local situation. Part of the gift of MU is a set of guidelines - objectives that set us on the path of mission and ministry. If we are not involved in these areas then we have lost our way.
MU in Australia could easily be seen as a Tea & Cake organisation because we do not market ourselves as part of the mission of the church.
We need to become involved in this mission and ministry process with our Parish and Dioceses. Our branches and parishes will not grow without effort on our part. Christ called us into mission and Mary Sumner gave us a particular field to work in - winning homes for Christ.
The process of mission and changing ministry needs will be painful for many of us, because accepting change is not easy. We are always asking, where are the young ones and perhaps we are not addressing the real issues. In my opinion, we are having difficulty in adapting to changes in the workplace and the consequent effects on community and family life.
As Christian leaders and members of a World wide movement of 3.5 million in 76 countries, our voice is large enough to be heard.
It is recognised as a voice that speaks for some of the world’s poorest families.
Is our MU voice being heard in Australia?
I have just received a Diocesan Newsletter in which two members shared how they are working with those in need; one with aboriginal school leavers seeking employment, and the other with Drug Arm. Both are making a difference in their communities.
This was closely followed by another Diocesan Newsletter with word of a young woman who rode her road/mountain bike from Adelaide to Karumba to help her parish MU raise funds for Burundi.
These are just three voices from Australia making a difference.
There are 9,500 other voices in Australia, and many of these also making a difference.
We would all like to know about your efforts to make your voice heard?
(The MU Australia Web page is a good place to share your story.)
Be encouraged, ask for help and advice, and share with each other.
Look to the future with hope and have the courage to use your gifts.
Encourage and support others as they step out in faith to use their gifts.
Deane Bray
President's Circular Letter No.3 - August 2008
President's Circular Letter No.2 - April 2008
President's Circular Letter No.1 - January 2008
From the Provincial President's Meeting 2005
