The Anglican Church of Melanesia Mothers’ Union joins more than four million Mothers’ Union members across the world in celebrating the 150th Anniversary of the Mothers’ Union, a women-founded and women-led Christian movement that has supported families, strengthened communities, and transformed lives since its foundation in 1876.
Under the global anniversary theme,“Join Us, Join In: Lighting the Way for Generations to Come,” Mothers’ Union members throughout Melanesia are joining a worldwide season of celebration, thanksgiving, reflection, and renewed commitment to serving God through families and communities
The global celebration was recently marked in Durban, South Africa, where more than 2,000 Mothers’ Union leaders gathered for worship, fellowship, learning, and planning for the future. As those celebrations conclude, members across the Anglican Church of Melanesia are now taking up the anniversary journey in their own dioceses and communities.
For Melanesia, this milestone carries special significance. While celebrating 150 years of the worldwide Mothers’ Union movement, we also give thanks for 107 years of Mothers’ Union ministry in Melanesia. For more than a century, Mothers’ Union members throughout the Anglican Church of Melanesia have served families, promoted Christian values, nurtured women and children, and helped to respond to the changing needs of our society.
Throughout those years, generations of women have lived out their faith through prayer, community service, pastoral care, family support, and outreach ministry. Their commitment has helped strengthen homes, churches, and communities across our islands, often in the face of social, economic, and environmental challenges.
Today, the Mothers’ Union in Melanesia comprises more than 14,000 members across the ten dioceses of the ACOM: Vanuatu and New Caledonia, Banks and Torres, Temotu, Hanuato’o, Ysabel, Malaita, Central Solomons, Central Melanesia, Guadalcanal, and Southern Malaita and Sikaiana.
Throughout October, dioceses are hosting anniversary celebrations that bring together members of all ages to honour the faith, dedication and service of those who have carried the Mothers’ Union mission from one generation to the next.
These gatherings are not only a celebration of our history but also an opportunity to look forward and strengthen our commitment to future generations.
The Mothers’ Union continues to be guided by its three global priorities: ending violence, ending poverty, and ending injustice. These priorities resonate strongly within Melanesia, where women play a central role in building peaceful communities, nurturing families, supporting vulnerable people, and promoting dignity and wellbeing for all.
As a global grassroots movement, Mothers’ Union is unique because it works through local churches and communities, listening to people’s needs and responding with compassion, faith, and practical action. Across Melanesia, members continue to be a light in their communities, creating positive change from the ground up.
The ACOM Mothers Union extends its heartfelt gratitude to the Archbishop of the Anglican Church of Melanes
ia, The Most Rev. Leonard Dawea and all Diocesan Bishops for standing with the Mothers’ Union Ministry, particularly in hosting and supporting the 150th Anniversary celebrations throughout ACOM. We also pay special tribute to our Bishops’ wives (our mothers) whose prayers and guidance continue to nurture and strengthen Mothers’ Union members across Melanesia.
As we celebrate this remarkable milestone, we remember the words of Matthew 5:16: “Let your light shine before others.” Inspired by this calling, Mothers’ Union members remain committed to lighting the way for future generations through faith in action, compassion in service, and hope for stronger families and communities.
For 150 years, Mothers’ Union has stood with families and communities. Today, we celebrate that legacy and look forward with confidence to the next chapter of service across Melanesia and beyond. Together, we build stronger futures.
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From: The Provincial Mothers’ Union office, Anglican Church of Melanesia, Honiara, Solomon Islands