London, United Kingdom. The Archbishop of Canterbury, Sarah Mullally, apologised for the Church of England’s role in forced adoption practices in the decades following World War Two, when about 185,000 children were taken from unmarried mothers across England and Wales.
Mullally said the Church was “profoundly sorry” for the pain, trauma and stigma experienced by many people because of historical adoption practices in homes affiliated to the Church of England.
Church statement
In a statement, Mullally said many people were still carrying the effects of those practices.
“We are profoundly sorry for the pain, trauma and stigma experienced – and still carried – by many people because of historical adoption practices in homes affiliated to the Church of England,” she said.
Research findings
Research published by the Church on Thursday showed it was a significant provider of mother and baby homes, potentially operating more than 200 over time. The research examined the period between 1949 and 1976.
The Church’s report said the social systems and structures of the time “made it extremely difficult for unmarried women with children to live independently”.
Wider response
The government is also expected to apologise on behalf of the state for the practice. Other countries, including Ireland and Australia, have in recent years issued similar apologies.
Message to those affected
Mullally said those affected should not feel shame over what happened.
“Today, we say to each of you: the shame you were made to feel was wrong. You have nothing to be ashamed of. Rather, we are deeply ashamed that this happened to people in the care of Christian communities,” she said.
