Church of England Apologizes for Forced Adoptions in Religious Homes

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Sarah Mullally, has formally apologized on behalf of the Church of England for the profound suffering inflicted upon women and their children through forced adoptions from religious homes between 1949 and 1976. Mullally, the first woman to hold the position of primate in the Anglican communion, stated that the Church has heard firsthand testimonies from mothers separated from their infants.

“

The Church has heard firsthand testimonies from mothers who were separated from their babies.

An internal review of records from approximately 200 homes for single and vulnerable women revealed disturbing practices. Mullally noted that many women and girls were compelled to perform menial labor as a means of 'correcting' their behavior. The investigation also uncovered evidence of discrimination based on race and disability in decisions regarding the infants' futures. "The people affected have spoken to us about the pain, shame, and indignity suffered both then and now," Mullally said. "Today, we tell you: the shame they made you feel was unjust. You have nothing to be ashamed of. Rather, it is we who feel deep shame that this happened in Christian communities."

“

We know that many women and, at times, girls were forced to do manual and menial work as a form of 'correction' of their behavior.

Mullally observed that societal values of the time prioritized secrecy and respectability over compassion and care. While the Church of England officially encouraged keeping mothers and children together, this was often not the case in practice. She stressed that these practices belong to the past and must never be repeated, emphasizing the need to acknowledge this history and learn from it to ensure future change.

“

The people affected have spoken to us about the pain, shame and indignity suffered both then and now. Today, we tell you: the shame they made you feel was unjust. You have nothing to be ashamed of. Rather, it is we who feel deep shame that this happened in Christian communities.

Although internal investigations have not yielded a precise figure for the total number of individuals affected, it is known that around 185,000 children born to single mothers were adopted in England and Wales during that period across all contexts. The British government announced its intention to issue a similar official apology to mothers forced into adoptions from state institutions. The Catholic Church in England and Wales had previously apologized in 2016 for its role in forced adoptions.

“

These practices belong to the past and must never be repeated, and it is necessary to recognize this history and respond with openness, reflection and learning, to ensure that it leads to change.