A history of the Mothers' Union

"This book tells how a parish women's meeting started in 1876 by a Victorian vicar's wife has become the most representative and powerful organization of women in the new global Christianity." "Cordelia Moyse illustrates how religious faith and shifting ideologies of womanhood and motherhood in the imperial and post-colonial worlds acted as a source of empowerment for conservative women in their homes, communities and churches. In contrast to much feminist history, Moyse identifies how the religious beliefs of ordinary women led them to become advocates and activists long before they had the vote or could become priests." "A particular strength of this history is the publication of case studies from Australia, Ghana and South Africa, showing in each context how the Mothers' Union arrived with white British women and subsequently evolved into an indigenous organization."--Jacket.