Foundation Partners - SBU
The Mission to Seafarers Sydney is thankful for the vital, foundational and ongoing support of the Sydney Bethel Union (SBU).
HRH Princess Anne, MtS Global President, congratulated the SBU on their Bicentenary:
The Mission to Seafarers, now a world-wide organisation working in 200 ports across 50 nations, originated in London in 1856. Some 34 years earlier in Sydney a group of concerned citizens had founded the Sydney Bethel Union Society and committed to safeguard the spiritual and physical welfare of the crews on ships whose long, arduous and dangerous voyages were the only link between the remote colony New South Wales and the rest the world.
Successive grants of land for construction of a Mariners’ Church and related facilities gave rise to the Sydney Bethel Union Act 1851. Subsequent Acts of the NSW Parliament still regulate SBU activity today. Arriving in Sydney in the latter part the Century, the Mission to Seamen collaborated with SBU in providing for the welfare of seafarers. In 1896 it was agreed the Mission would operate from premises owned by Sydney Bethel Union, commencing a partnership that is now in its 126th year.
“Seafarers play a vital role in the economy and indeed the survival of this island nation, even a continent sized one like Australia! I also like to highlight the compassion and foresight shown by the founders of Sydney Bethel Union in 1822, which continues to this day, along with the ongoing partnership that enables the Mission to Seafarers to deliver welfare services to sailors [in several ports in NSW]. I would like to thank the commitment of the trustees and SBU supporters who have given freely their time and expertise to manage the affairs of SBU to seafarers visiting NSW ports.”
HRH The Princess Royal’s Message on SBU 200th Anniversary: https://www.sydneybethelunion.com.au/letter-from-hrh-princess-anne
Learn more about the Sydney Bethel Union: https://www.sydneybethelunion.com.au/
We are grateful to be one of the selected charities of the Australian Maritime Welfare Society (AMWS). Their special project support over many years has included updating our IT equipment and office space, and maintaining our mini-buses. AMWS has been supporting seafarer welfare all over Australia through advocacy and funding seafarers’ programs since 1863.
MtS Sydney Historic Insights
In 1822, the Rev. William Cowper (Rector of St Philip’s Church of England in Sydney) and a group of prominent Christian businessmen founded the Interdenominational Society known as The Sydney Bethel Union Society. Their aim was to bring the blessings of Christian ministry and community to seamen during their visits to the Port of Sydney.
In 1881, the Church of England’s Seamen’s Mission commenced its ministry in Sydney. The first ‘Seamen’s Missionary’ was Mr John Shearston, who ministered to the sailors of the Men at War in Sydney.
Today, commercial shipping still handles more than 80% of global trade by volume, so this ministry is as important as ever, especially for our island nation. Since 1940, the globalising economy has grown twelve-fold from $8trn to more than $100trn now.
It is my pleasure today to report that this proud legacy of ministering to seafarers endures, and that the Mission to Seafarers is in good health.
– Extract from Chairman’s Report to the 57th AGM, 9 May 2023 – Peter Janssen OAM
A Prayer for the Mission to Seafarers:
Lord God, be the canoe that holds us in the sea of life.
Be the rudder that keeps us on the straight course.
Be the outrigger that supports us in times of great testing.
Amen.
Image: Rev William Cowper
Modern Day Unity
Mission to Seafarers Sydney is part of The Australian Council for the Mission to Seafarers Inc. which promotes co-operation between the MTS centres around Australia, New Zealand and in PNG. It also works to strengthen ties between the 28 Australian and international MTS centres to reinforce our global MTS family and support networks.
See our Missions around the world.
MtS Sydney Patrons
Joint Vice Regal Patrons:
‘”Congratulations for your compassionate care for thousands of seafarers this year ….
We understand that this year you moved more than 10,000 people either to or from the port as you extended hospitality to visitors to Sydney – what a remarkable achievement.”
– Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC, Governor of NSW, and Mr Dennis Wilson, June 2025
Global Royal Patron –
Following His Majesty King Charles III Accession, the Royal Household is conducting a review of all Royal Patronages including those such as Mission to Seafarers, of which Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II was Patron. https://www.royal.uk/charities-and-patronages
