Church of England to apologise for role in historical forced adoption

Church of England to Apologize for Role in Historical Forced Adoptions

The Church of England has announced plans to issue a formal apology for its involvement in historical forced adoptions, according to the BBC. These practices occurred during the post-World War Two era and affected tens of thousands of infants, often taken from their mothers due to their unmarried status. The Church operated approximately 100 mother and baby homes across England, effectively isolating unmarried pregnant women from public scrutiny.

Jan Doyle, one of the women impacted by this system, shared her experience. In 1963 at age 16, she was sent to a mother and baby home in Kent. She described the harsh conditions there, recalling how she had to crawl on her hands and knees to clean the floors, even while pregnant. “I think I was on my hands and knees the day before my son was born,” she said.

“If the floors needed washing, we would have to get down on our hands and knees, even though we were pregnant,” she added.

David, her baby boy, was separated from her shortly after birth. After a 63-year absence, the pair reunited when he reached out to her, and they now maintain regular contact.

Historical Context and Institutional Impact

Following the BBC’s initial coverage in 2021, Parliament’s Joint Committee on Human Rights (JCHR) examined the issue. Their findings revealed that around 185,000 children were affected by forced adoptions between 1949 and 1976. While many were placed in Church of England homes, others were managed by different religious and welfare organizations.

The Church’s Apology

A draft of the Church’s apology, reviewed by the BBC, states: “We acknowledge the lifelong impact of these experiences and the part the Church played in a system shaped by attitudes and behaviors we now recognize as harmful. For the pain and trauma experienced—and still carried—by many women and children in Church-affiliated mother and baby homes, we are deeply sorry.”

“An apology from the Church of England would mean a great deal to those affected,” said Dr. Michael Lambert of Lancaster University. “It would significantly shift the narrative from one of sin and shame to one that highlights the systematic harm these institutions caused.”

Broader Institutional Apologies

The Church of England joins other organizations in offering apologies for historical forced adoptions. In 2016, the former Archbishop of Westminster, Cardinal Vincent Nichols, expressed regret for the “hurt caused” by Catholic adoption agencies. Earlier this year, the Scottish and Welsh governments also issued formal apologies for their roles in the practice.

UK Government’s Role and Response

Historical forced adoptions involved state-funded mother and baby homes, prompting calls for a UK government apology. Though the government has not yet officially acknowledged its part, Children and Families Minister Josh MacAlister stated during testimony to the Education Select Committee that the state “had a role” in the issue. He noted that a comprehensive apology is “urgent” and currently under active consideration.

Jan’s Cautious Perspective

While supporters appreciate the Church’s outreach, Jan Doyle remains cautious. She emphasized that the apology must be heartfelt and credible. “It was wicked the way they treated us, so [an apology] would have to be one that really did hold water,” she said.