Press Releases19 Feb 10

Interview with Bishop Ken Clarke on Appointment as Mothers' Union Central Chaplain

The Rt Revd Ken Clarke, Bishop of Kilmore, Elphin and Ardagh, has recently been invited by the Archbishop of Canterbury to be Honorary Central Chaplain to the Mothers' Union Worldwide. Bishop Clarke spoke about the appointment to Church of Ireland Press Officer, Paul Harron.

PH: What is the role of Central Chaplain to the Mothers' Union and how did it come about?

BC: My role is to work with the Mothers' Union (MU) senior staff/leadership team as a link to the wider Anglican Communion, reflecting the Church's thinking to the charity on relevant issues, such as marriage and family life, and to represent the MU to the wider church. I will be present as Chaplain at its major meetings and provide pastoral care through giving support and advice.

This is a three-year honorary appointment which came about by invitation from the Archbishop of Canterbury - it was a total surprise when I was asked to take it on in January but it is of course a privilege. I formally took up the office last Friday (12 February 2010) at the gathering of the Worldwide Council in Swanwick, Derbyshire, during a morning Eucharist Service when I was commissioned by the current Worldwide President of MU, Mrs Rosemary Kempsell (Church of Ireland members will recall that Lady Christine Eames formerly held this role). I understand that I am the first Irish Central Chaplain.

The role may involve occasional trips overseas in connection with the huge range of projects undertaken by MU across the globe; however, it will primarily involve attending meetings in England where I will lead worship and give support in any way I can. However, I suspect, as so often happens, there will be a few surprises along the way. In a new venture I always remember the wise advice I was once given, ‘Expect everything to be different to what you expect!’

PH: What made you say 'yes' to the invitation?

BC: As I said when I accepted the role, while I have much to learn, I aim to give my best because I believe Mothers' Union has a vital contribution to make in the transformation of relationships in the church, in marriages, in families and in communities. The MU aim of demonstrating the Christian faith in action is a personal passion - in Ireland we have seen the emptiness of just words. Jesus both taught and modelled the dynamic partnership of Gospel words and loving actions. I look forward to serving as Chaplain in a worldwide fellowship which has a Christian foundation, a clear purpose, and transformation in its veins.

MU has a vast range of membership and activity: people may be surprised to know that it has 3.6 million members worldwide across 78 countries, supporting families and working out its vision to bring about a world where God's love is shown through loving, respectful and flourishing relationships. Its goal is actively pursued through prayer, programmes, policy work and community relationships. In supporting marriage and family life, especially through times of adversity, it tackles those urgent needs which challenge relationships and communities.

PH: Do you draw on personal experience of Mothers' Union?

BC: There has been an active Mothers' Union presence in all the parishes in which I've served and I have been Mothers' Union Chaplain in my own diocese of Kilmore, Elphin and Ardagh. I have also developed close links locally with MU through a kind of osmosis as my wife, Helen, has been the MU Diocesan President for the past six years (having just recently stepped down). I have also spoken at various MU meetings, services and conferences.

Locally, I have been very impressed by the work of MU on issues of social outreach. For example, in this diocese, it has piloted a very successful DVD and associated programme for young people called 'Never Alone.' This initiative has encouraged teenagers to feel loved and valued and provided practical points of contact if they feel socially isolated - this has been tied into schools' pastoral care programmes.

There are projects like this and others on matters such as practical parenting taking place all over Ireland and Britain; they may not hit the headlines but they are constantly taking place.

Another abiding personal memory of MU comes from when I was asked to preach at a diocesan convention in North-West Uganda in the Diocese of Nebbi. It left a very strong impression on me and illustrates how in Africa especially MU is a powerhouse for mission and outreach in a diocese. I thought that maybe a couple of hundred people would attend but when I got there, there must have been 3,500-4,000 people, some of whom had walked for two days to attend. The MU was hugely involved and I recall before it hearing singing drift across from the other side of a hill. I walked to the top of the hill from where I saw a large group of women walking towards the meeting, singing and dancing and carrying sticks and branches on their heads. They had been collecting and were transporting firewood in order to cook for the people attending the convention. They radiated joy in serving and such a demonstration of servant hearts was infectious.

PH: Finally, is the Mothers' Union a women-only preserve?

BC: Well, it is of course a myth that MU is exclusively for women and in fact at the recent Worldwide Council in Swanwick our first Irish male Diocesan President from Tuam Diocese attended. MU members are not all women and indeed are not all mothers. Single, married, parents, grandparents, or young adults have become involved to express their social conscience as it provides a network through which people can serve Christ in their own community.

The Mothers' Union also lobbies local and national governments on issues affecting family life and campaigns to challenge legislation that neglects the vulnerable and marginalised. It is also represented at the United Nations' Commission on the Status of Women. Yet the role of men in contemporary family life is also a clear focus, too, not least at a policy level: for instance MU is currently examining the UK government's consultation on additional Paternity Leave.

My prayer is that as a member of a team, and in giving my best, the work and ministry of the MU will continue to make a difference for Christ in many lives, families, churches and communities. 

ENDS