Please note, this news item 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 may be found at churchofengland.org/historical-adoption-apology-finding-support
The Church of England has today issued an apology to those impacted by historical adoption practices, together with a report on its research into the practice:
Michael Beasley, Bishop of Bath and Wells said, “I would like to extend my apology to anyone who has been adversely impacted by the role of the Church of England in the Diocese of Bath and Wells in historical adoption practices. Whether that was in the setting of a mother and baby home or as a result of the influence the church and its ministers had in a society which, at that time, understood compelling mothers to give their babies up for adoption to have been acceptable, and even beneficial.
“Having had the privilege of meeting with some local people impacted by historical adoption practices recently, it is clear that all those so affected need to receive a proper, heartfelt apology that goes to the heart of their suffering and their rightful desire for acknowledgement and justice, that acknowledges the lifelong impact on so many lives and relationships, and that gives space for lament.
“The research that led to this apology is the beginning of the work to learn more fully about our Church’s involvement in historical adoption practices. This is learning that we shall be undertaking here in Bath and Wells.
“The people impacted with whom I have met generously gave their time to help us get to a point of understanding, where we can begin to atone for our part in such practices by supporting those with lived experiences. We need to continue to listen to them, to work alongside them, and to be genuine allies. I hope we can get to a point where they, and others, can share their stories with us so we can get a common understanding of this deeply distressing part of our history.
“I am holding all those affected by historical adoption practices in my prayers. I hope they feel they can draw on any of the support available to them, whether through the church or specialist agencies.”
Anyone who has been impacted by their experience of historical adoption in our diocese who would like to talk to someone about their experience and access support is encouraged to email:helpline.safeguarding@bathwells.anglican.org or call 01749 685270 or specialist agencies such as:
PAC-UK Family Connect
• Website: familyconnect.org.uk
• Email: familyconnect@pac-uk.org
• Tel: 0300 1800 205
UK Adult Adoptee Movement
For adoptees
• Website: adultadoptee.uk/
• Email: adultadopteeuk@gmail.com
MAA (Movement for Adoption Apology)
For mothers and first families
• Website: movementforanadoptionapology.org
• Email: maa.adoptionapology@gmail.com
The Church of England’s investigation identified six mother and baby homes in the Diocese of Bath and Wells in the period covered by the review: Hillview, Bath; Hope House, Bath; Braeside, Chard; Exmoor House, Dulverton; Somerset County Home for Mothers and Babies, South Petherton and Taunton Shelter, Taunton.
Trained staff are available should anyone wish to share any information on their experience in these or any other Church of England homes in the diocese not identified in the report.
Downloads
A recording of one of the prayers is available to share on social media: