logo
Duchess of Edinburgh becomes patron of charity where late Queen railed against divorce

Duchess of Edinburgh becomes patron of charity where late Queen railed against divorce

Telegraph27-02-2025

The Duchess of Edinburgh has become patron of the Mothers' Union, taking over from Elizabeth II, who once told its members that divorce was 'responsible for some of the darkest evils in our society'.
Sophie visited the Christian organisation, which marks its 150th anniversary next year, in Chelmsford, Essex, on Thursday to hear about its English for Women project.
The initiative aims to reduce the isolation of women in local communities who speak little or no English after fleeing conflict or challenging situations.
It chimes with much of the Duchess's work in supporting women in conflict zones.
Mothers' Union was founded in 1876 by Mary Sumner, the wife of a Winchester rector, to support mothers from all backgrounds as they brought up their children in the Christian faith.
It was once criticised for being 'fuddy-duddy' and too concerned with 'tea-making and trivia'.
Its traditional Christian values barred divorcees and single mothers from membership until the 1960s.
The charity's support for the sanctity of marriage was supported by the late Queen who, as a 23-year-old Princess, told the union in 1949: 'When we see around us the havoc which has been wrought, above all among the children, by the breakup of homes, we can have no doubt that divorce and separation are responsible for some of the darkest evils in our society today.'
The union has since worked to shake off its traditional image and now boasts some four million members in 84 countries.
In 2003, it called for young couples preparing to get married to take HIV tests, while in 2011, its then chief executive carried out an independent review into the sexualisation of childhood on behalf of the coalition government.
It works in prisons, highlights domestic abuse in communities and offers support to the vulnerable.
In becoming patron, the Duchess follows in the footsteps of her late mother-in-law, as well as the Queen Mother. Its first royal patron was Queen Victoria.
Kathleen Snow, worldwide president of the union, said: 'The Duchess will bring strength and inspiration for the work we all do.
'We are especially grateful for Her Royal Highness's experience and commitment to championing the most marginalised, particularly those who are impacted by violence and abuse in conflict, a cause we are passionate about, because conflict disproportionately affects women and children.
'As a woman-led movement, we also greatly welcome the duchess's commitment to promoting the development of women into leadership.'

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Welsh Covenant marks 50 years of unity and mission
Welsh Covenant marks 50 years of unity and mission

South Wales Argus

time5 hours ago

  • South Wales Argus

Welsh Covenant marks 50 years of unity and mission

The Welsh Covenant, signed in 1975, brought together five Christian traditions in a pledge to work towards 'a Church Uniting in Wales.' The Bishop of St Asaph and former chair of the Commission of the Covenanted Churches in Wales, the Rt Revd Gregory Cameron, said: "The signing of the Covenant of Unity between five of the Christian denominations in Wales 50 years ago was a bold step forward in church co-operation. "It has yielded many fruits, which we can celebrate with passion and hope." The Church in Wales is a founding member of the covenant, alongside the Methodist Church of Great Britain, the Presbyterian Church of Wales, the United Reformed Church, and certain Baptist churches. Together, they have explored full mutual recognition of ordained ministry and deepened ecumenical witness across Wales. The Revd Dr Susan Durber, a United Reformed Church minister and World Council of Churches president of Europe, delivered the sermon. She said: "I am impatient for more than a vague 'spirit of ecumenism', and I pray for a deep unity that is visible, that mends wounds, that creates something new and restored from the broken fragments of church history."

New Shotts Boys' Brigade company host first annual display
New Shotts Boys' Brigade company host first annual display

Daily Record

time9 hours ago

  • Daily Record

New Shotts Boys' Brigade company host first annual display

Rev Phil Geary, Captain, welcomed the company members and parents to the EU Congregational Hall including guest of honour Mrs Gillian Agnew from 1st Shotts Girls Brigade, and MP Kenneth Stevenson. A new Boys Brigade Company has been established in Shotts and the members of 3rd Shotts took part in their first annual display and presentation of awards. Rev Phil Geary, Captain, welcomed the company members and parents to the EU Congregational Hall including guest of honour Mrs Gillian Agnew from 1st Shotts Girls Brigade, and MP Kenneth Stevenson. Rev Phil said: 'It's seeming a little surreal that two years ago, the idea if a BB hadn't even been dreamt up, yet here we are at the end of the first year. 'The boys have worked hard in everything we have thrown at them, not least this display which has meant al of the boys are stepping out of their comfort zone in one way, shape or form, so please encourage them along the way.' Rev Phil also thanked his officers Andy Allan, Sean Chalmers, Naomi Geary, Yvette Geary, Martin Phillips, Edith Ross, and Jim Williams, with Helpers Morag Forsyth and Janice Whitefield, for all their efforts for the company and their work with the young people, He also expressed thanks to David Sneddon who was part of team who trained the officers of the new BB Company which adopted the 3rd Shotts title, which was formerly used 30 years ago. Throughout this first year the boys took part in the annual Remembrance Service at the War Memorial and in the church; along with the Sunday School, they were involved in making shoeboxes for boys and girls in parts of the world who wouldn't have ordinarily receive a gift at Christmas. The boys also enjoyed a number of outings, including a trip to the bowling alley with members of 1st Shotts GB. A highlight of the year was a trip to Northern Ireland which was a great success. Regular meetings include scripture lesson, games, crafts and activities, all of which counts towards boys gaining their badges at the end of term. The boys have learned the discipline of arranging themselves in squads, the importance of teamwork and supporting those who need a little extra help; and being aware of their surroundings and the need to enjoy and respect the world around them. The evening also included the opening prayer by Martin Phillips, Scripture Readings by Jim Williams and Janie Whitefield, and closing prayer by Edith Ross. Everyone joined in the final hymn which is associated with Boys Brigade 'Will Your Anchor Hold'. Rev Phil completed the evening by saying: 'As you will see and hear, we are unashamedly a Christian organisation and we seek to present the Gospel to the boys each week and also to instil in them good Christian morals that will no doubt be of help as they grow into young men.'

Call for tribute to Terrence Higgins in Haverfordwest
Call for tribute to Terrence Higgins in Haverfordwest

South Wales Argus

time14 hours ago

  • South Wales Argus

Call for tribute to Terrence Higgins in Haverfordwest

Tuesday June 10 marks 80 years since Terrence Higgins was born in Haverfordwest, and he spent almost half of his short life in the town. His name is now synonymous with the fight against HIV and AIDS, with his partner and a friend setting up the Terrence Higgins Trust following his death at the age of 37 in July 1982, to campaign to counter prejudice against those who have the disease. As Haverfordwest Town Museum stages a new display to mark what would have been the 80th birthday of Terrence Higgins, its curator, Dr Simon Hancock said: 'I would love to see a blue plaque in his memory put up in the town. Terrence Higgins as a young man. (Image: Terrence Higgins Trust) "He was an important campaigner and social activist who deserves to be better remembered in his home town. "The national charity which bears his name has helped countless thousands of people since its inception. ' Dr Simon Hancock and Tracey Bartlett, volunteer co-ordinator Cymru for the Terrence Higgins Trust are pictured with the two portraits. (Image: Haverfordwest Town Museum) A representative of the Terrence Higgins Trust has visited the museum to present two pieces of artwork relating to his life of Terrence Higgins, who spent five years in the Royal Navy and later worked for Hansard and as a bartender in Soho, and was known to family and friends as Terry. Dr Hancock said the museum was 'very honoured' to receive the two pieces of artwork. One is a donation from the Terrence Higgins Trust to the museum - a portrait of Terry during his school days in Haverfordwest by contemporary Welsh artist Nathan Wyburn. This is a signed limited edition print. Artist Nathan Wyburn created the original portrait in 2022. (Image: PA) The original was created to mark the charity's 40th anniversary in 2022 and the image was built up with red and green stamps in the shape of the charity's heart logo. The other is a coloured pencil portrait, The Three Ages of Terry (2023) by Curtis Holder. This shows Terrence at three life stages, a navy teen, young man and towards the end of his life. The portrait has been on display at the National Portrait Gallery and is loaned to Haverfordwest Museum s until January 2026. The items were presented by Tracey Bartlett, volunteer co-ordinator Cymru for the Terrence Higgins Trust.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store