Historic Church of England Adoption Practices

The Church of England has apologised for its role in historical adoption practices, particularly in mother and baby homes. Mothers and adoptees who came into contact with these homes have described the profound and lasting impact of these experiences. Published alongside new research into these homes, the apology recognises the impact on people affected and sets out the Church’s commitment to listening, learning and responding with honesty and compassion.

Click here to read the Archbishop of Canterbury’s apology on the Church of England’s website. 

The Bishop of Exeter, the Rt. Rev’d Dr Mike Harrison, has shared the following statement; “Today the Church of England has apologised for its role in historical adoption practices. In the Diocese of Exeter there were a limited number of Church-run Mother and Baby homes. I am conscious that some of you hearing this apology may have suffered decades of pain, trauma or stigma as a result of actions and experiences relating to one of the homes in Devon. Consequently, we want to help right the wrongs of the past by listening well, enabling stories to be heard, and providing pastoral support and information about specialist services.”

Finding Support

If you have been affected by this news or would like to speak to someone, you can contact the Diocese of Exeter’s safeguarding team or your local vicar who will listen, and where helpful may link you to additional specialist services, some of which are listed below.

Click here to contact the Diocese of Exeter’s safeguarding team. 

To speak to your local Vicar, you can find out your local parish details by visiting A Church Near You.

You can also find support and information on Adoption South West.

Safe Spaces provides a confidential, personal and safe space for anyone who has been abused by someone in the Church. Click here to visit Safe Spaces website, or call their helpline: 0300 303 1056 

Prayers

Some prayers which may be shared around the publication of the apology.

Let us pray for all whose lives have suffered rejection, separation, or grief. Lord, have mercy.

For all who have carried burdens of shame and fear, that they may know the comfort of God’s love: Lord, have mercy.

For children separated from their mothers, and for all families divided, that God may bring restoration and peace: Lord, have mercy.

For those whose dignity was denied and whose voices were not heard, that they may be honoured and upheld: Lord, have mercy.

For all who carry wounds of body, mind, or spirit, that Christ may bring healing and freedom: Lord, have mercy.

For the hope of new creation, that sorrow may be turned to joy and every tear wiped away: Lord, have mercy.

Loving God,
you hear the cry of the afflicted and gather the outcast.
Look with mercy on all whose lives have suffered rejection, loss, or neglect.
Bind up the wounds of the broken-hearted,
assure them of your love,
and grant us grace to walk in the way of your Son,
Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.