Sheran Harper will be the first worldwide president of Mothers’ Union. Harper, a resident of Guyana, will lead the 142-year-old movement’s four million members in 84 countries when she takes over from Lynne Tembey, who steps down in December.
“Mothers’ Union is as relevant today as it was 142 years ago as the call to support families globally is now even greater,” Harper said. “We are working alongside governments and other organizations in tackling issues which affect families wherever they are. In remote areas where there is no access to social services, it is often Mothers’ Union that is leading the way.”
Born in the United Kingdom, Harper grew up in Guyana, where she studied at the University of the West Indies School of Physical Therapy. She undertook her clinical practice at Guy’s Hospital in London and then worked with the Ministry of Health in Guyana, where she opened and managed new physiotherapy departments in hospitals throughout the country and lectured on a rehabilitation therapists’ program.
She stopped working in this area 17 years ago to focus on serving Mothers’ Union. She has served as a volunteer at all levels, and is a worldwide trustee. Until recently, she was a worldwide parenting trainer for Mothers’ Union in 23 countries.
She has been married to Roger Harper for 31 years and the couple have two grown sons, Richard and Reginald.
Adapted from ACNS
Matthew Townsend is a Halifax-based freelance journalist and volunteer advocate for survivors of sexual misconduct in Anglican settings. He served as editor of the Anglican Journal from 2019 to 2021 and communications missioner for the Anglican Diocese of Quebec from 2019 to 2022. He and his wife recently entered catechism class in the Orthodox Church in America.
