Church of England to apologise for role in historical forced adoption

Church of England to Apologize for Historical Forced Adoption Role

The Church of England is set to formally apologize for its part in historical forced adoptions, according to a report by the BBC. These practices occurred over three decades following World War Two, during which tens of thousands of infants were separated from their mothers due to the women’s unmarried status. The Church operated approximately 100 mother and baby homes across England, effectively isolating unwed mothers from public view.

A Personal Account of Struggle

Jan Doyle, one of the women affected, recalls her experience at a Kent-based home in 1963. At 16, she was sent there after an unplanned pregnancy and described the conditions as “harsh.” She shared that even during childbirth, she was forced to crawl on her hands and knees, a task she completed the day before her son was born. Her baby, David, was taken shortly after his arrival, and the two were reunited after 63 years of separation. Now, they meet regularly.

“If the floors needed washing, we would have to get down on our hands and knees, even though we were pregnant,” she said. “I think I was down on my hands and knees the day before my son was born.”

Investigation and Broader Context

Following the BBC’s initial coverage in 2021, Parliament’s Joint Committee on Human Rights (JCHR) conducted an inquiry, revealing that around 185,000 children were impacted by forced adoptions between 1949 and 1976. While many were placed in Church-run homes, others were managed by welfare organizations and religious groups. The JCHR concluded the system was rooted in societal attitudes that marginalized mothers.

Church’s Draft Apology

A preliminary version of the Church’s apology, reviewed by the BBC, includes the statement: “We acknowledge the lifelong impact of these experiences and the part the Church played in a system shaped by attitudes and behaviours that we now recognise 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.”

Reactions and Calls for Accountability

Dr. Michael Lambert of Lancaster University emphasized that the apology could shift historical narratives. “An apology from the Church of England would mean a great deal to those affected,” he noted. “It would go a significant way towards changing the understanding of the period from one of sin and shame to one that recognises the harm these institutions caused.”

The apology marks the Church as the latest institution to address its past role in forced adoptions. In 2016, Cardinal Vincent Nichols of Westminster apologized for the “hurt caused” by Catholic adoption agencies. The Scottish and Welsh governments also issued apologies in 2023. However, the UK government has yet to formally acknowledge its involvement, despite state funding for many mother and baby homes.

Pressure on the UK Government

Children and Families Minister Josh MacAlister, during testimony to the Education Select Committee, admitted the state “had a role” in historical forced adoptions. He stated that describing the situation as a societal issue was insufficient, calling for a “comprehensive” apology. The government is “actively considering” such a move, with MacAlister noting the need for an “urgent” response. The BBC has sought government comment on the matter.

While those affected welcome the Church’s initiative, Jan Doyle remains cautious. She insists the apology must be “heartfelt” and “hold water” before fully accepting it. “It was wicked the way they treated us,” she said, highlighting the importance of genuine reconciliation.