18th June 2026

Historic adoption practices: Diocesan response following national apology by The Church of England

Please note: The following includes references to 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 Archbishop of Canterbury, Sarah Mullally, has apologised on behalf of The Church of England today 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.

Read the full apology here.

Following the Archbishop’s statement today, the Bishop of Blackburn, Rt Rev. Philip North, said: “I fully endorse and echo the apology that the Church of England has made today for its role in historic adoption practices. It is deeply harrowing to read of the experiences of some of those with lived experiences of such institutions and the lifelong impact that poor practice has had on them. I share the deep sorrow that the Archbishop of Canterbury has expressed today. 

“Within our own diocese, we have sought to understand the local context and the lived experience of those affected. We know of one mother and baby home and four shelters which operated within our diocese in the past, as well as the existence of the Diocesan Adoption Agency and Diocesan Moral Welfare Council/Diocesan Board of Social Responsibility. Following the transfer of responsibilities to successor organisations, relevant records are now held within external archives, and we have therefore not been able to gain access.

Bishop Philip continues: “However in light of the research published by the Church of England and what we do know of our own local context, it is clear that experiences within this diocese are likely to have reflected the wider national picture. Whilst some adoptions were considered the best option at the time and led to loving families, there were other practices that caused harm, such as the involuntary separation of mothers and babies, and the denial of dignity, compassion, and meaningful choice. For this, I offer an unreserved apology on behalf of the Diocese.

“We are profoundly grateful to all those who have had the courage to share their stories and experiences. We recognise that many people within our diocese are likely to continue to live with the lasting impact of these practices. We are committed to listening carefully, to learning from those voices, and to responding with humility and care.

And Bishop Philip adds: “Apology is empty without change. I hope that this moment will be a time not just for the Church but for wider society to reflect on the systems and practices in place today for caring for our most vulnerable children and there will be more to say on this in the weeks ahead. For now, we echo today’s apology and commit ourselves afresh to hearing the voices of all those affected.”

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 The Church of England has worked with.

Safe Spaces provides a confidential, personal and safe space for anyone who has been abused by someone in the Church

Website: https://www.safespacesenglandandwales.org.uk
Helpline: 0300 303 1056

Government resources

The Adoption Contact Register

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

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