As Mothers’ Union members we have concern and pray for our fellow
members around the world. But we particularly relate to our “family” members,
those who live in seven dioceses in Africa and Australia.
Wakefield’s worldwide officer (Marlene Bramley) maintains
regular contact with contacts in these other dioceses, some branches
have individual links with a branch, and some members correspond with
individual members in these dioceses.
Adelaide (Australia)
This Diocese covers the capital city of South Australia.
The Diocesan
President is Ann Ross.
Karamoja
Karamoja Diocese is in the North East of Uganda, and has a population
of over 600,000. It is mainly a rural area, with most of the population
growing food for their own consumption. Cassava is the staple crop,
and new developments include growing sunflowers, as they provide a range
of uses it can be put to.
The Diocesan President is Margaret Ongom, and The Mothers’ Union
worker is Emma Loumo.
Kumi
This is a new diocese, being formed from part of Soroti diocese
in Uganda. Their Diocesan President is Janet Ojulong, and The Mothers' Union worker is Jane Akabwai. The Bishop is Thomas Edison Irigei.
Soroti
Soroti is in Eastern Uganda, situated over 2500 feet above sea level. It
has a population of over 300,000. Most families grow food for their
own consumption, though there is some production of mangoes and potatoes
for export.
The area has suffered very badly from the activities of armed rebel
groups. They steal food and the oxen needed for ploughing and other agricultural
work, and abduct children. There are many refugees in camps in northern
Soroti.
MU-sponsored hostel at Soroti City Girl's High School
The Mothers’ Union Wakefield Diocese has equipped a hostel at the Girl's High School in Soroti City. It was formally opened by the World Wide President of the Mother's Union, Trish Heywood, when she visited the area in July 2005. As a result, teen-age girls from the
surrounding area are able to live in the city during the week, thereby continuing
their education.
The Diocesan President is Florence Erwan, and The Mothers’ Union
worker is Freda Ocen.
Tamale
Tamale Diocese covers an area of the Northern Region of Ghana, around
the regional capital. The city has a population of over 150,000. Local
industry includes shea-nut processing and the production of baskets and
other handicraft. Agricultural activities include cattle raising,
cotton growing and cocoa growing.
The Diocesan President is Rita Ayeebo, and The Mothers’ Union
worker is Augustina Naaso.
The Murray
This Diocese is in the South East region of South Australia, mainly
a rural area but covers the southern suburbs of Adelaide. There are 25
Parishes in the Diocese. The Diocese of The Murray takes its name from
the Murray River, Australia's most important River, which flows through
the Diocese before reaching the sea.
The Diocesan President is Cheryl Bainton.
Willochra
This Diocese covers almost the whole of South Australia, apart from the South East corner and the Adelaide conurbation. It has four cities – Port Pirie (where there is ore smelting), Port Lincoln
(a large fishing port), Port Augusta (with a power station) and Whyalla (with a steel works) but elsewhere the population is widely scattered among tiny agricultural communities. In
the far north, there are very few residents, except in the mining centres,
but many cattle and sheep. In the Eyre Peninsula and the Yorke
Peninsula cereal crops, including malting barley, are grown, and in the Clare Valley there are extensive vineyards.
The Diocesan President is Jane Tanner.