Relationship not Rules 2010

1. Introduction and context:

2010 is the beginning of a new triennial for Mothers’ Union. Whilst many office holders will be continuing their role for another three years, some will be finishing in their post this December and others will be taking on new roles and challenges. In 2010, as we embrace this turning point in roles, experience and gifts, we have an opportunity to celebrate the relationships we have built up. By focusing on our diverse relationships rather than the rules with which our societies are governed and structured, we are making a clear statement about how we value relationships in the Mothers’ Union. With this in mind we go forward in strength together and not in isolation.

2. Overall vision:

Mothers' Union's vision is to see a world where God's love is shown through loving, respectful, and flourishing relationships. To do this, we have a set of beliefs based on the value of relationships. Jesus was very clear that relationships are the most important reason for living and for the living out of our faith:

our relationship with God; our relationship with our families; our relationship with our friends;
our relationship with our neighbours; our relationship with our churches, workplaces, schools, communities;
our relationship with our governments and all those in power; our relationship with the wider world.

Through and in all these different relationships we have both an identity and a purpose. As Christians our identity and purpose are entirely defined by our values as given to us by God, through the Bible, in the history and traditions of our churches and in the societies in which we live daily. Through and in all these different relationships we learn how to recognise and experience God’s presence – right now, every moment, wherever we are. We believe that God is always present and active in our lives, whether or not we can see him. We also believe that God’s presence is a positive good even if we do not always understand how or why, especially when life gives us many difficulties and tragedies.

3. Thinking strategically:

Relationship is the unifying strand in the five Mothers' Union objectives: marriage, Christian parenting, a worldwide fellowship of Christians, stable family life and helping families in adversity. These relationships are costly because they are so valuable. And with this cost and value they bring responsibilities. As individuals and as a worldwide organisation, we have responsibilities at local, national and international levels - so this year we do well to reflect on these responsibilities and what they mean in practice to us in Mothers' Union.

4. Your role:

It is important that you are supported and affirmed in all your Mothers' Union activities, and that you can pray for, and support, other members with whom you work. So begin the New Year by praying about, and reflecting on, the following:

         • What will our theme of Relationship not Rules mean to you in 2010?
         • How will you encourage others to live out this theme in 2010?

Some questions for you to think about:

       • What areas of Mothers' Union work: faith, projects, policy, marketing, finance and MUe, will you focus on this year that  reflect relationships not rules?

       • What will you pray for this year in your relationships locally, nationally and internationally?

       • What would you like Mary Sumner House staff to pray for this year?

       • How will you tell Mary Sumner House what is happening in your diocese to demonstrate our theme of relationship not rules?

Relationship not Rules - Downloadable Resources