There is a Worldwide Council of the Mothers’ Union which meets in Britain and Ireland twice a year. The only exception was in1979 when the World Conference was held in Brisbane. Diocesan Presidents, Provincial Presidents and MU Workers from around the World are entitled to attend the Conferences. Unfortunately, because of the cost of travel it is not possible for everyone to attend and have a voice.  Therefore it was decided to hold  six Special World Wide Regional Meetings outside Britain and Ireland between now and 2010.

The aim of these Special World Wide Regional Meetings is to provide opportunities for Mothers’ Union Leaders worldwide to meet together to practice and explore the spirituality of the Mothers’ Union, and to share experiences, celebrate diversity of cultures, build relationships, identify goals and to plan for the future.

To achieve this aim, the meetings will have a common theme

• including daily worship and Bible study;
• reflecting the cultural diversity of the delegates and the worldwide nature of the Mothers’ Union;
• emphasising interaction between all participants;
• promoting participatory learning methods, (PLA – participatory learning and action);
• agreeing on goals and how they should be implemented;
• sharing fellowship and fun.

 The meetings will consider ways in which support can be improved, through such sessions as

• sharing together,
• growing together,
• policy development,
• how to put Policy into action, 
• communicating together, etc.

The first of these Special World Wide Regional Meetings will be held at the James Byrne Centre in Toowoomba in the Diocese of Brisbane from 2^nd to 7^th March 2008  This conference will be hosted by Australia Council of MU assisted by Brisbane Diocese who will be responsible for billeting the overseas delegates prior to the conference, and providing local knowledge.

This represents Zone 3 (Indian & Pacific Ocean Regions) and will be attended by Diocesan Presidents, Provincial Presidents, Trainers/Workers from

• New Zealand, 

• USA, 

• Canada, 

• UK, 

• Ireland (two DPs - Margaret Schutz [Limerick & Killaloe] and Geraldine Beattie [Clogher]),

• PNG, 

• South India, 

• Sri Lanka, 

• Melanesia, 

• West Indies, 

• Myanmar, 

• Korea, and 

• Australia 

who will join with our Mary Sumner House guests, 

• Rosemary Kempsell (World Wide President), 

• Reg Bailey (CEO) 

• Jean Price (Marketing), 

• Fiona Thomas (Communications), 

• Jane Groves (Action & Outreach), 

• Marilyn Oulds (General Trustee), and 

• Roberta McKelvey (from Ireland attending in her role as Provincial Trustee).

The theme for the Australian Meeting is "Growing Together". The purpose of the meeting is to ascertain how MU members Worldwide are working together, through their Dioceses and Provinces to strengthen the Mothers’ Union capacity to achieve its aims.   

Each day will feature different topics

• "Getting to know you",

• "Policy",

• "Practice",

• “Communication", and

• “Til we meet again".

The Executive from the Mary Sumner House will remain in Brisbane after the SWWRM, and will attend the  MU Australia Executive Meeting being held from the 10^th to 13^th March.

Mr. Reg Bailey will also be guest speaker at the Brisbane MU Australia Diocesan AGM, to be held at Holy Trinity, The Valley on Tuesday 11^th March.