Church of England apologises for historical adoption practices

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Sarah Mullally has today apologised on behalf of the Church of England 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.

Following Archbishop Sarah’s apology, Bishop Paul has also issued a letter (below)  to clergy and lay leaders within the Diocese of Guildford, echoing the apology and acknowledging that a small number of these homes and shelters operated within the diocese up until the 1970s.

He has urged anyone who was affected to seek support.

If you have been affected by this news or would like to speak to someone, a range of options are listed on the Church of England website. This includes specialist agencies and charities, followed by details of how to contact the Church of England.

Homes that operated within the Diocese of Guildford (from Church of England research):

• Home of the Good Shepherd, Haslemere
• St. Margaret’s , Woking (known previously as Woking Preventative and Rescue Home)
• St Agnes’ Lodge, Aldershot
• St Aubyn's, Dorking
• Walton Shelter/Emly House. Walton-on-Thames
• Hope Lodge

A letter from Bishop Paul to the Diocese of Guildford 

I am writing to draw your attention to the apology issued today by Archbishop Sarah acknowledging the Church of England’s role in historical adoption practices.

You may have seen over recent years that a number of mother and baby homes, or similar institutions, formed part of a wider network of care for unmarried mothers and their children, particularly between 1949 and 1976. Some of these homes were overseen by diocesan moral welfare councils. While many sought to offer support, we now know that some women experienced harsh or unkind treatment, and others felt they had little or no real choice in the adoption of their children.

The Archbishop’s apology recognises with honesty and humility that some of these practices fell far short of the love, dignity and compassion expected of Christian communities. It speaks of a deep sorrow for the pain, trauma and stigma endured, often carried over a lifetime, by those affected.

I wholeheartedly support the apology issued by Archbishop Sarah and give local reiteration of that apology within the Diocese of Guildford. I echo her call for the Church to ‘listen, lament and to learn’. I recognise the importance of creating space for people’s stories to be heard with sensitivity and care.

Within our own Diocese, we are aware of five Church of England–affiliated homes or shelters that once operated in Woking, Guildford, Haslemere, Walton-on-Thames, Dorking and Aldershot. While we are not aware of the detailed personal accounts from these particular homes, we remain mindful that individuals may now want to come forward to share their stories.

As clergy and lay leaders, we may encounter individuals who wish to share their experiences with us. I encourage you to receive them with compassion, to listen carefully, and to respond with pastoral sensitivity. Your presence and willingness to listen may be deeply important.

Where more specialist help is needed, please do signpost to the support services listed below, or, where appropriate, to diocesan safeguarding colleagues.

If you have any concerns or would value a conversation about how best to respond pastorally, please do not hesitate to contact me the archdeacons.

With love in Christ and prayers.

+Paul