Church of England to Apologise for Historical Forced Adoptions

The Church of England is set to issue a profound apology for its historical involvement in the practice of forced adoptions, which saw thousands of babies removed from unmarried mothers in the decades following the Second World War. The Church operated approximately 100 mother and baby homes across England, where pregnant unmarried women were often sent to conceal their pregnancies from society.

Acknowledging a Painful Past

A draft apology, seen by the BBC, expresses deep regret: “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.” This acknowledgement addresses the lifelong impact and the Church’s part in a system now recognised as harmful. Dr Michael Lambert of Lancaster University, who has researched the Church's role, believes such an apology would significantly alter the historical narrative, shifting it from one of 'sin and shame' to one that recognises the systemic damage inflicted.

Calls for Government Action

This move places renewed pressure on the UK government, which has yet to issue a formal apology for its role in these adoptions, despite calls from campaigners and a parliamentary inquiry. While Children and Families Minister Josh MacAlister recently admitted the state “had a role” and that a comprehensive apology was “being actively considered,” victims like Jan Doyle, who endured harsh conditions in a Church-run home and had her son taken, remain cautiously optimistic, seeking an apology that is truly heartfelt and substantial.