Guyanese Sheran Harper defied tradition when she became the first non-British resident to be elected as the Worldwide President of the 142-year-old Mothers’ Union (MU). The MU has over four million members in 84 countries across the globe.
The elections were held under the revised Constitution, approved by the Privy Council in April 2018, designed to ensure that governance practices meet the latest standards required and that the Board truly reflects the global nature of the movement.
In addition, 11 Trustees have been elected from within 11 zones worldwide: five from the Provinces within Britain and Ireland, and six from outside. The Board will also have the flexibility to appoint four trustees with specific skillsets to complement the experience and expertise of the elected members.
“I am delighted to accept the role of Worldwide President for the new triennium. I feel very excited and privileged and I extend my heartfelt gratitude to our members who voted to make this dream a reality,” Harper, who will take up her new position in January 2019, is quoted as saying by the Anglican Communication News Service.
MU’s CEO, Bev Jullien said that they were extremely excited about the results, adding that not only would Harper bring her global experience but they now also had a diverse board with members from eight different countries for the first time. Additionally, this is the first time that a man is included as a board member.
The current Worldwide President, Lynne Tembey, has overseen the constitutional changes together with the current Board, and she will continue in the post until the end of December 2018.
“I thank God for his abundant blessings and his unfailing loving guidance. I pray that the Lord will continue to guide members and leaders everywhere and especially Sheran and the new Worldwide Board as they take up leadership of the Worldwide Mothers’ Union for the coming three years,” she said.
Harper, wife of famous Guyanese cricketer Roger Harper, said she was proud to be leading an organisation that was making a difference in the lives of over three quarters of a million people worldwide.
“Mothers’ Union is as relevant today as it was 142 years ago as the call to support families globally is now even greater. We are working alongside Governments and other organisations 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,” Harper told the Anglican Communication News Service.
Harper 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 Health Ministry in Guyana where she opened and managed new physiotherapy departments in hospitals throughout the country and lectured on the Rehabilitation Therapists Programme.
She stopped working in this area 17 years ago to focus on her calling of serving the MU. She has served as a volunteer at all levels from parish, to diocese and to province and is currently a Worldwide Trustee.
Until recently, she was the Worldwide Parenting Trainer where she rolled out Mothers’ Union Parenting programmes in 23 countries across the globe. Her expertise is often called upon and she has been a spokesperson in her region for Mothers’ Union on various inter-faith and international panels and forums.
