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Church of England to apologise for role in historical forced adoption

The Church of England is preparing an official apology for its role in historical forced adoptions, the BBC has learned. The institution operated about 100 mother and baby homes across England where unmarried pregnant women were sent to hide.
Around 200,000 women were coerced into giving up their babies between the 1950s and 1970s in England and Wales. Jan Doyle, sent to a home in Kent at age 16, recalled 'harsh' conditions there.
Other institutions have preceded the Church of England's move. In 2016, Cardinal Vincent Nichols, then Archbishop of Westminster, apologised for the 'hurt caused' by adoption agencies acting in the name of the Catholic Church.
Children and Families Minister Josh MacAlister acknowledged last month that the state 'had a role' in historical forced adoptions, stating a formal apology is 'being actively considered.' The Church's move will likely pressure the UK government to follow.
Survivors like Doyle appreciate the Church's outreach but remain cautious, insisting any apology must be 'heartfelt' to acknowledge systematic harm. Dr. Michael Lambert from Lancaster University continues researching the Church's long-term impact on affected families.

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Church of England to say it is ‘deeply sorry’ for its role in historic forced adoptions

The Church of England is set to apologise for its role in historical forced adoptions, saying it is “deeply sorry”.Around 185,000 children were taken from unmarried mothers and adopted in the three decades following the Second World War.The Church operated around 100 mother and baby homes, where unmarried pregnant women were sent.In a draft apology, the Church said it recognises the “lifelong impact” of the practice. TRENDING Stories Videos You…

27 days ago·London, United Kingdom

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