18 June 2026
Please note: The following includes references to historical adoption practices, including the separation of mothers and babies, stigma, and experiences of trauma and lasting emotional harm. Details of support services are also included below.
The Church of England has apologised for its role in post-war historical adoption practices.
Giving the apology on behalf of the Church of England, the Archbishop of Canterbury, Sarah Mullally said:
“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.
“We have heard first-hand the accounts of mothers who were separated from their babies in circumstances where they had very few meaningful choices.
“We know that many women and girls were at times made to carry out menial and manual work as a form of ‘correction’.“We also recognise where prejudice - including on the grounds of race and disability - shaped and defined experiences and outcomes.”
“We are listening to the voices of people affected. They have told us about the pain, shame and indignity experienced both then and now.
“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.
“All of this took place in a society that often valued secrecy and respectability over compassion and care. The Church of England was part of that society and helped to sustain those attitudes. While homes were encouraged to keep mothers and babies together, this often did not happen.
“For many mothers, children, fathers and wider families affected by these practices, the impact has been lifelong.
“These practices are in the past and must never happen again. We will not condone or repeat them. Our commitment now is to listen, to lament and to learn – to acknowledge this history and respond with openness, reflection and learning, and to ensure that this leads to change.
“We pay tribute to the people who have shared their stories and brought these personal and painful experiences to light. Their courage has helped to deepen our understanding of this history and the harm caused, and to ensure that first-hand accounts are heard.
“We want to acknowledge the important and often unseen work of organisations and charities who for many years have supported mothers, adoptees and families affected by adoption, and whose knowledge and care are invaluable.
“We pray for all people who carry these experiences, and for the grace to be a Church where everyone is treated with the love and dignity that comes from being made in God’s image.”
The Bishop of Chelmsford, Guli Francis-Dehqani said:
“On behalf of the Diocese of Chelmsford, I echo Archbishop Sarah in saying that we are profoundly sorry for the pain, trauma and stigma caused by historical adoption practices in Church of England affiliated homes.
“The testimonies of those who have shared their own personal experiences, are deeply moving. I am grateful for their courage which has helped us to better understand what took place and the harm that was caused to so many people.
“I encourage everyone to take time to read and engage with the detail of the report that has been published today. We join with the rest of the Church of England in committing to listen and learn from the report and those who have shared their experiences, so that such practices can never be repeated in the future.”
Church of England Historical Adoption Practices Research Report
Archbishop Sarah’s apology on behalf of the Church of England, video testimonies and an accompanying report detailing Church of England research on historical adoption practices can be read in full on the Church of England website.
Finding support
If you have been affected by this news or would like to speak to someone, a range of options are listed below. This includes specialist agencies and charities we have worked with, followed by details of how to contact the Church of England.
Government resources
The Adoption Contact Register
The Adoption Contact Register enables adopted adults and birth relatives to register their wish to make contact with one another. Where both parties have registered and consented, the service can contact and reconnect family members separated by adoption.
Website: https://www.gov.uk/adoption-records/the-adoption-contact-register
Phone: 0300 123 1837
Specialist advice
National PAC-UK Advice Line
The National PAC-UK Advice Line provides independent, confidential advice and information for people affected by adoption, special guardianship and other forms of permanent care. The service is staffed by qualified and experienced PAC-UK counsellors and social workers with specialist expertise in these areas.
Website www.family-action.org.uk/pac-uk
Email advice@pac-uk.org
Phone 0300 1800 090
FamilyConnect Advice Line
Delivered by Family Action's adoption support agency PAC-UK, FamilyConnect provides information, support and guidance on tracing and reconnecting with family members, the services available, and whether you may be eligible for funding.
Website www.familyconnect.org.uk
Email familyconnect@pac-uk.org
Phone 0300 1800 205
Adoption UK (Practical suggestions, information and encouragement with signposting to specialist help)
Website: https://www.adoptionuk.org/information-and-support-service
Information and support service: 0300 666 0006
Email: informationsupport@adoptionuk.org.uk
Contacting the Church of England
Within the Church of England you can speak with your diocese or vicar who will listen, and where helpful, may link you to additional specialist services, some of which are listed below.
Contact details for the Chelmsford Diocesan Safeguarding Team can be found here
The national Church of England Safeguarding Team can be contacted at safeguarding@churchofengland.org
You can find your local parish details by visiting the website A Church Near You
Additional Services
Barnardo’s Adoption Support (Support for adoptees, birth families, and adoptive families)
Website: https://www.barnardos.org.uk/adopt/link-adoption-support-service
Email: link.referralhub@barnardos.org.uk
Samaritans 24/7 (emotional support for anyone in distress)
Website: https://www.samaritans.org
Phone: 116 123
Mother and Baby Homes in the Diocese of Chelmsford
The Diocese of Chelmsford is seeking to learn more about the Church of England affiliated Mother and Baby Homes that were in Essex and East London, not only factual information but also personal stories and the experiences of people affected. We hope this will help our diocese and its community to better understand the past and address the questions it raises. If you have information and would feel comfortable sharing it, please email communicationsdept@chelmsford.anglican.org and we will be in contact.