The Church of England has apologised for its role in historical adoption practices, particularly in mother and baby homes. Mothers and adoptees who came into contact with these homes have described the profound and lasting impact of these experiences. Published alongside new research into these homes, the apology recognises the impact on people affected and sets out the Church’s commitment to listening, learning and responding with honesty and compassion.
Giving the apology on behalf of the Church of England, the Archbishop of Canterbury, Sarah Mullally, said:
“We are profoundly sorry for the pain, trauma and stigma experienced - and still carried - by many people because of historical adoption practices in homes affiliated to the Church of England.
“We have heard first-hand the accounts of mothers who were separated from their babies in circumstances where they had very few meaningful choices.
“We know that many women and girls were at times made to carry out menial and manual work as a form of ‘correction’.
“We also recognise where prejudice - including on the grounds of race and disability - shaped and defined experiences and outcomes.”
“We are listening to the voices of people affected. They have told us about the pain, shame and indignity experienced both then and now.
“Today, we say to each of you: the shame you were made to feel was wrong. You have nothing to be ashamed of. Rather, we are deeply ashamed that this happened to people in the care of Christian communities.
“All of this took place in a society that often valued secrecy and respectability over compassion and care. The Church of England was part of that society and helped to sustain those attitudes. While homes were encouraged to keep mothers and babies together, this often did not happen.
“For many mothers, children, fathers and wider families affected by these practices, the impact has been lifelong.
“These practices are in the past and must never happen again. We will not condone or repeat them. Our commitment now is to listen, to lament and to learn – to acknowledge this history and respond with openness, reflection and learning, and to ensure that this leads to change.
“We pay tribute to the people who have shared their stories and brought these personal and painful experiences to light. Their courage has helped to deepen our understanding of this history and the harm caused, and to ensure that first-hand accounts are heard.
“We want to acknowledge the important and often unseen work of organisations and charities who for many years have supported mothers, adoptees and families affected by adoption, and whose knowledge and care are invaluable.
“We pray for all people who carry these experiences, and for the grace to be a Church where everyone is treated with the love and dignity that comes from being made in God’s image.”
Read more and listen to people share their stories on the dedicated page on the Church of England website.
Finding support
If you have been affected by this news or would like to speak to someone, a range of options are listed below. This includes specialist agencies and charities we have worked with, followed by details of how to contact the Church of England.
Government resources
The Adoption Contact Register
The Adoption Contact Register enables adopted adults and birth relatives to register their wish to make contact with one another. Where both parties have registered and consented, the service can help facilitate contact and reconnect family members separated by adoption.
Website: gov.uk/adoption-records/the-adoption-contact-register
Phone: 0300 123 1837
Specialist advice
National PAC-UK Advice Line
The National PAC-UK Advice Line provides independent, confidential advice and information for people affected by adoption, special guardianship and other forms of permanent care. The service is staffed by qualified and experienced PAC-UK counsellors and social workers with specialist expertise in these areas.
Website: family-action.org.uk/pac-uk
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 0300 1800 090
FamilyConnect Advice Line
Delivered by Family Action's adoption support agency PAC-UK, FamilyConnect provides information, support and guidance on tracing and reconnecting with family members, the services available, and whether you may be eligible for funding.
Website: familyconnect.org.uk
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 0300 1800 205
Adoption UK
Practical suggestions, information and encouragement with signposting to specialist help
Website: adoptionuk.org/information-and-support-service
Information and support service: 0300 666 0006
Email: [email protected]
Contacting the Church of England
Within the Church of England, you can speak to your vicar or contact your diocese who will listen. Where helpful, they may suggest you contact specialist services, some of which are listed above.
You can find out your local parish details by visiting A Church Near You.
Safe Spaces provides a confidential, personal and safe space for anyone who has been abused by someone in the Church
Website: safespacesenglandandwales.org.uk
Helpline: 0300 303 1056
Alternatively, you may wish to contact the diocesan safeguarding team in your area or the National Safeguarding Team at [email protected].
Additional services
Barnardo’s Adoption Support
Support for adoptees, birth families, and adoptive families
Website: barnardos.org.uk/adopt/link-adoption-support-service
Email: [email protected]
Samaritans
24/7 emotional support for anyone in distress
Website: samaritans.org
Phone: 116 123
