Mothering Sunday is on Sunday, March 10, and to mark the occasion the Mothers’ Union are asking people to help share the ‘Gift of Dignity’.
Elaine Swinhoe, President of the Mothers’ Union in our diocese, said: “For Mothering Sunday members have been asked to buy a 'Gift of Dignity' to help empower women worldwide to transform their lives and reach their full potential.”
‘Gifts of Dignity’ are donations given specifically for Mothering Sunday that aim to help women across the world grow their independence, take on leadership roles, and build a better future for their children.
Click here to find out more.
Elaine also said: “All through the year Mothers’ Union seeks to support families throughout the world through prayer and direct action, but on Mothering Sunday we specially recognise how important mothers, caregivers and grandmothers are and how much they do to help their children, families and communities thrive, often unnoticed and without thanks.
“In many churches across the diocese members will prepare and distribute posies, lead prayers, and talk about the work we do, with a particular focus this year on the RISE UP campaign which seeks to highlight and prevent domestic abuse in this country.
The RISE UP campaign aims to make sure that activism against domestic abuse and gender-based violence happens all year round.
The letters of RISE UP stand for Respond, Inform, Support, Empower, Unite and Pray.
The Mothers’ Union wants to ensure that as many churches as possible have information about their local domestic abuse helpline.
The campaign includes bronze, silver and gold awards for branches and churches who take part and complete various actions.
There are resources detailing what branches and churches need to do to achieve each level, and more about the campaign, here.
Elaine said: “Have a look at our website – you might be surprised to learn just how much we do.
“We love making tea and cakes, but that is only a very small part of what we do to support families!”