Church of England to apologise for role in historical forced adoption
Church of England to Offer Apology for Historical Forced Adoptions
The Church of England is set to offer an apology for its role in historical forced adoptions, according to a report by the BBC. Between 1945 and 1975, forced adoptions occurred across England, with tens of thousands of infants removed from their mothers due to the women’s unmarried status. The Church operated approximately 100 mother and baby homes, effectively isolating these women from public scrutiny.
A draft of the apology, reviewed by the BBC, includes the Church’s acknowledgment of the “lifelong impact” of these experiences. Jan Doyle, one of the affected individuals, shared her recollection of the harsh conditions in a Kent-based home. She described being forced to clean floors on her hands and knees while pregnant, even the day before her son’s birth. “I think I was down 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, Jan’s son, was taken shortly after his birth and reunited with her after 63 years. The BBC’s initial coverage in 2021 prompted the Joint Committee on Human Rights (JCHR) to investigate, revealing that around 185,000 babies were involved in forced adoptions between 1949 and 1976. Not all homes were Church-run; others were managed by other religious and welfare organizations.
Dr. Michael Lambert, a researcher at Lancaster University, noted the significance of the Church’s apology. “An apology from the Church of England would mean a great deal to those affected,” he stated. “It would go a significant way toward changing the narrative that we understand from the period, from one of sin and shame, to one that recognises the enormous harm and damage these institutions did on a systematic scale.”
Apology Marks Latest Institutional Recognition
The Church of England joins the Catholic Church and Scottish and Welsh governments in formally addressing its role in forced adoptions. In 2016, Cardinal Vincent Nichols apologized for the “hurt caused” by adoption agencies linked to the Catholic Church. The UK government, however, has yet to issue an official apology, despite evidence of state involvement in funding these institutions.
Children and Families Minister Josh MacAlister, testifying before the Education Select Committee last month, admitted the state “had a role” in the process. He stated that attributing the issue solely to societal actions was insufficient, and that a “comprehensive” apology was “urgent.” The BBC has sought government comment on the matter.
While those affected welcome the Church’s gesture, Jan Doyle remains cautious. She emphasized the need for a heartfelt apology that “really did hold water,” reflecting the enduring pain of the past. “It was wicked the way they treated us,” she said, underscoring the importance of sincerity in the Church’s acknowledgment.
