CoE apologises for role in post-war historical adoption practices

Archbishop Sarah Mulally

Source: Church of England

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 the full report here: www.churchofengland.org/sites/default/files/2026-06/historical-adoption-practices-report-web.pdf

The contents of the report include references to historical adoption practices, including the separation of mothers and babies, stigma, and experiences of trauma and lasting emotional harm. For details of support services see: www.churchofengland.org/about/libraries-and-archives/family-history/historical-adoption-practices/historical-adoption-apology-finding-support