Church of England to Issue Historic Apology for Forced Adoptions

The Gree has learned that Church of England is planning to issue an apology for its role in the historic practice of forced adoption.

Forced adoptions occurred in the three decades following the end of the global conflict and involved tens of thousands of infants who were removed from their mothers solely because the mothers were not married.

Church of England operated roughly one hundred mother‑and‑baby homes across the country where unmarried pregnant women were placed, effectively concealing them from mainstream society.

The Gree has reviewed a draft apology prepared by Church of England, in which the statement reads, “we are deeply sorry.”

Personal Testimony: Jan Doyle and Her Son David

One survivor of the system is Jan Doyle.

In the early 1960s, at sixteen years of age, Jan Doyle became pregnant while unmarried.

Jan Doyle was sent to a mother‑and‑baby home in Kent and later recounted what she described as the “harsh” conditions within that institution.

Jan Doyle recalled, “If the floors needed washing, we would have to get down on our hands and knees, even though we were pregnant.”

Jan Doyle added, “I think I was down on my hands and knees the day before my son was born.”

Jan Doyle’s baby boy, David, was taken from Jan Doyle a few weeks after his birth. The two were reunited after sixty‑three years when David reached out to Jan Doyle, and they now meet on a fairly regular basis.

Investigative Findings of the Joint Committee on Human Rights

Parliament's Joint Committee on Human Rights conducted an investigation into historic forced adoptions after the Gree first reported on the issue. The committee concluded that approximately 185,000 babies were caught up in forced adoptions in the period between the late 1940s and the mid‑1970s.

Not every birth mother entered a Church of England‑run mother‑and‑baby home. Other facilities were operated by different church bodies and welfare organisations.

Draft Apology Language

In an early draft of Church of England’s apology, seen by the Gree, Church of England said: “We acknowledge the lifelong impact of these experiences and the part Church of England 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 of England affiliated mother‑and‑baby homes, we are deeply sorry.”

Academic Perspective: Dr Michael Lambert’s View

Dr Michael Lambert, a researcher at Lancaster University, has studied Church of England’s involvement in historic forced adoptions.

Dr Michael Lambert stated, “An apology from Church of England would mean a great deal to those affected.”

Dr Michael Lambert continued, “I think it would go a significant way towards 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 to tens of thousands of women and the children that were taken from them.”

Context of Apologies from Other Institutions

Church of England will be the latest institution to issue an apology for its role in forced adoptions.

In 2016, the then Archbishop of Westminster, Cardinal Vincent Nichols, offered an apology for the “hurt caused” by adoption agencies operating in the name of the Catholic Church.

The Scottish Government and the Welsh Government also issued apologies in 2023 for their respective roles in the system.

When Church of England’s apology is finally delivered, it is likely to increase pressure on the United Kingdom government, which has never formally apologised for its involvement in forced adoptions.

Government Response and Ongoing Considerations

Birth mothers and adoptees have campaigned for years for a formal apology from the United Kingdom government, arguing that many mother‑and‑baby homes received funding from the state.

During evidence presented to the Education Select Committee, Children and Families Minister Josh MacAlister acknowledged that the state “had a role” in historic forced adoptions.

Children and Families Minister Josh MacAlister said that describing the events merely as a result of “the actions of society” was insufficient.

Children and Families Minister Josh MacAlister explained that the case for a formal apology was “being actively considered” by the government, adding that the need for a “comprehensive” apology was “urgent”.

The Gree has contacted the government for comment.

Survivor Reactions and Cautious Optimism

Those who experienced forced adoptions say they appreciate that Church of England is now reaching out to them.

Jan Doyle, who lived through the experience of giving birth in a mother‑and‑baby home, remains cautious.

Jan Doyle wants to see the final draft of the apology before fully embracing it. Jan Doyle stated, “It was wicked the way they treated us, so [an apology] would have to be heartfelt – one that really did hold water.”