DIOCESE OF CHICHESTER MOTHERS’ UNION
The Family of Dioceses
Linked to Chichester Diocese Mothers' Union
Kimberley & Kuruman Diocese, in Southern Africa Province
President: Mrs Hope Tchenkeng
Our link with Kimberley & Kuruman is one of our longest-standing Mothers' Union Links. It covers a very large area to the north of S. Africa, where it borders on Namibia and Botswana. It dates back to the early days of exploration - David Livingstone's daughter was married in Kuruman. Kimberley is, of course, famous as a once great diamond capital of the world, though that trade is no longer viable.
Mothers' Union Diocesan Administration. An executive council has been elected for the new Triennial, and Units have been set up - Prayer & Spirituality, Action & Outreach, Marketing, Finance and Human Resources.
Training. An extensive training programme has been set up for members with posts of responsibility.
HIV/Aids. A programme has been established in the remote villages of the diocese to improve relationships between clergy and communities, and to help those living with HIV/Aids to be open about it, especially within thair parish congregations.
Nyahururu Diocese, in Kenya Province
Chairperson: Mrs Mary Gaika, MU Worker: Mrs Alice Nthinji
The diocese used to be a part of Nakuru Diocese. It is situated in the fertile foothills of the Aberdare mountains northwest of Nairobi.
Membership. 120 new members were enrolled in 2003; there are approx. 2000 members in the diocese.
The Mothers' Union has bought a plot of land in Nyahururu town and is fund raising further to build houses and shops. The rental from this income-generating scheme will pay for MU work.
Alice Nthinji travels the diocese in a Land Rover provided by the Mothers' Union Overseas Fund.
Training courses, based on Bible study, are regularly run for new clergy wives, and to nurture established clergy wives, all of whom are Mothers' Union leaders in their parishes.
Topics covered in seminars and rallies for members and Mothers' Union Workers have included family, church and community issues, FGM [female circumcision], HIV/Aids awareness, social and family issues, women's rights and women's economic empowerment.
HIV/Aids. A plan of action, to be implemented in dioceses, was the outcome of a workshop organised by the Kenya Ministry of Health and the Mothers' Union.
Renk Diocese, in the Province of The Sudan
President: Mrs Deborah Atem, Literacy Trainer: Mrs Rebecca Asaw Riak
The diocese lies on the River Nile between Khartoum and Juba, in a buffer zone between the Muslim north and the Christian/animist south, who have waged civil war against each other for many years. Many people have been settled in displacement camps in the diocese, either as a result of war or because they were forcibly moved from areas required by the government for drilling oil. The area is desolate, and the people very poor.
Work in Displacement Camps. The Mothers' Union has set up 5 centres to train women in new skills to earn money, and gives financial loans to help them set up mini-businesses - eg. tie-dying, tailoring, handicrafts, agriculture. Some women have also been trained as trainers.
Literacy & Development. Renk is one of the dioceses in the original pilot project for the Mothers' Union Literacy & Development Programme, so we are very pleased to have this link. To begin with Arithmetic & English were taught; Arabic & Dinka are to be added later.
Fishing Project in Geiger. A one-year project funded by the British Council. Women have been trained in business administration to manage this business. In their culture it is the men who do the fishing.
Backyard Poultry. A new scheme to improve diet. Chickens are easy-care livestock, providing eggs and meat for a family and surplus produce for sale.
Owo, Niger Delta and Okrika Dioceses, in Nigeria
Owo Diocese
President: Mrs Grace Oladunjoye, MU Worker: Mrs Abigail Adewole
Owo Diocese lies inland and to the east of the Niger river. Our link with Owo has existed for a very long time, but communication has recently been very difficult. So, sadly, there is no news from Owo diocese at present. Information wil posted as soon as it is received.
Niger Delta Diocese
President: Mrs Lucy Pepple, Diocesan Women's Worker: Mrs Emily Opusungu, JP
The diocese lies on the eastern side of the Niger estuary; 60% of the area is riverine, 40% is land based.
Work with young people. The Mothers' Union is concerned to deepen Christian spirituality in young people, to counsel them as they grow up, and to help them make responsible, informed choices about family life.
Work in Prison. Mothers' Union members bring gifts, books, Christian literature, materials for those learning trades, and have fellowship with the inmates - especially the women.
HIV/Aids. The Mothers' Union is working with the government programme to re-educate adults and young people on the dangers of casual sex.
Small Businesses. The Mothers' Union has trainers in business administration to help small communities.
Elderly Helpline. The Mothers' Union hopes to build a care home for the elderly.
Okrika Diocese
This diocese is new to our family of dioceses. Okrika is one of many newly created dioseses. Previously it formed the south-eastern part of NigeDelta Diocese, on the central southern coast of Nigeria. At present we have not been informed about its leadership or its work. We will add further information as and when we receive it.
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