Girls Friendly Society

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About Us

Girls Friendly Society (known as GFS in many parts of the world) is a worldwide organisation within the Anglican Communion. We provide ministries in a safe and accepting environment where Christ’s love is evident and the Gospel is proclaimed. Initially formed for women and girls, today there is a growing male membership in some countries.

OUR HISTORY

The Girls Friendly Society (GFS) commenced in 1875 in England (within the Anglican church) to offer spiritual and physical support and friendship to young women away from home who had no local support especially in “at risk” situations.

TThe society spread quickly around the world as women who in moving to other countries, wished to share this vision with those around them. GFS now works under many different names in many countries within the Anglican Communion, encouraging, as its main purpose, a continuing relationship with Christ, for its members.

The motto of GFS is “Bear one another’s burdens and so fulfil the law of Christ” (Galations 6:2) and this “service” element within the calling of Christ is a central focus of the Society.

GFS offers programs for evangelism, support, empowerment, education and encouragement, sometimes in partnership with both secular and sacred organisations. Membership in some countries is now open to male as well as female. In many countries there is a strong link with Mothers Union and link organisations within the Anglican Communion.

The World body is governed by the GFS World Council Rules of Management, with each GFS country operating under their own constitution/rules but adhering to the basic purpose of bringing others to Christ and service to others through the various programs offered.

The world body meets every three years in the country of the World President, where delegates from each GFS country (and observers) meet together to review and share their work. A World Project/s is chosen for the coming three years, concentrating on growing and strengthening GFS in developing countries, with particular emphasis on programs for young women and children.

GFS Worldwide aims to:

Promote and support the ministry of GFS around the world through the

Provision of ministries to children, youth, families and adults in a safe and accepting environment where Christ’s love is evident and the Gospel is proclaimed.

Through GFS programs and through the specific World Projects:

respond to human need by serving others through the motto “Bear one another’s burdens”

Seek to transform unjust structures of society (particularly for women and children).

Work with other like organisations within the Anglican Communion to strengthen the body of Christ.