The Mother’s Union (MU), the largest Christian women’s voluntary organization in the world, has elected as its worldwide president Rosemary Kempsell from the Southwark diocese in Great Britain. Ms. Kempsell was to have assumed her post last month.
Ms. Kempsell has served in various voluntary capacities at the MU, where she has been a member for 30 years. “Her experience of living for 10 years in Kenya and Malawi, and her extensive travels to link with fellow members across Africa and South East Asia have given her a deep knowledge of different cultures and an appreciation of the diversity of God’s kingdom,” the MU said in an announcement.
The MU, which the Archbishop of Canterbury has referred to as the denomination’s “fifth instrument of unity,” has a membership of 3.6 million Anglicans across 77 countries. The organization provides support for emergency relief, education, parenting and marriage enrichment and is committed to helping impoverished families and communities.
Ms. Kempsell was scheduled to be commissioned by Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams at Southwark Cathedral on Feb. 1.