Our response to the Church of England’s apology for historical adoption practices

Content warning: this article refers to historical adoption practices, including the separation of mothers and babies, stigma, trauma and lasting emotional harm. Details of support are included below.

The Diocese of Liverpool and Liverpool Cathedral have responded to the Church of England’s national apology for its historic involvement in mother and baby homes and the harm caused to many mothers, adopted people and families.

The Church of England’s research looked at the Church’s involvement in historical adoption practices, particularly between 1949 and 1976. It found that the Church was part of a wider system shaped by social attitudes and legislation which stigmatised unmarried mothers and, in some cases, led to the separation of mothers and babies and the denial of dignity and choice.

The national list of Church of England affiliated homes identifies four homes connected with what was then the Liverpool Diocesan Board for Social and Moral Welfare. These are Laurel House, Liverpool; St Monica’s, Liverpool; St Margaret’s, Wigan; and Home of the Good Samaritan, Grappenhall. The national list is not exhaustive and some local details may require further archival research.

In a joint statement, Bishop Ruth, Bishop Simon and the Dean Sue Jones said:

“As senior leaders serving the Diocese of Liverpool and Liverpool Cathedral, we want to add our own deep sorrow and apology to all those affected. We recognise that, for many, this will not be history. It will be a lived reality still carried in families, memories and unanswered questions.”

“We are sorry for the part the Church played in a wider system which too often failed to treat women and children with the compassion, dignity and love at the heart of the Christian faith.”

“Our priority now is to listen well, to respond with care, and to help people access the right support.”

Full statement from the Interim Bishop of Liverpool, the Bishop of Warrington and the Dean of Liverpool following the Church of England’s apology for historical adoption practices

Today, the Church of England has issued an apology for its historic involvement in mother and baby homes and for the pain, trauma and lasting harm experienced by many mothers, adopted people and families.

As senior leaders serving the Diocese of Liverpool and Liverpool Cathedral, we want to add our own deep sorrow and apology to all those affected. We recognise that, for many, this will not be history. It will be a lived reality still carried in families, memories and unanswered questions.

The national research identifies a small number of homes connected with what was then the Liverpool Diocesan Board for Social and Moral Welfare. We know that even one home, one mother, one child, one family affected by stigma, separation or the denial of dignity and choice matters profoundly.

We are sorry for the part the Church played in a wider system which too often failed to treat women and children with the compassion, dignity and love at the heart of the Christian faith. We acknowledge the courage of those who have told their stories and those who have campaigned for truth, recognition and accountability.

We also recognise that experiences of mother and baby homes and adoption are complex and deeply personal. Some people have shared positive memories of care, kindness and support. Some adoptions were loving and freely chosen. Others were not. We want to hold these different experiences with care, while being clear that this apology is about acknowledging where harm was caused and where dignity, compassion and choice were denied.

This apology is not about making a blanket judgement on every person involved, including those who worked in the homes, supported mothers and babies, or formed loving adoptive families. It is about recognising the Church’s responsibility where people were harmed, unheard, shamed or separated without real choice.

Our priority now is to listen well, to respond with care, and to help people access the right support. Anyone affected who wishes to speak to the Diocese can contact our safeguarding team. Those seeking adoption records should contact the General Register Office, their local Register Office, or specialist adoption support services who are best placed to guide people through the process.

We pray for all who have carried grief, shame, separation or silence. May this moment be one of truth, compassion, and a step towards healing.

The Rt Revd Ruth Worsley, Interim Bishop of Liverpool and Bishop of Wigan

The Rt Revd Simon Robinson, Bishop of Warrington

The Very Revd, Dr Sue Jones, Dean of Liverpool

Homes currently identified as connected with the Liverpool Diocesan Board for Social and Moral Welfare

Please note: This is not a definitive legal determination of liability, redress eligibility or DBF responsibility. The national list is not exhaustive and some details may require further local archival research. This fact sheet should be used for internal awareness and consistent handling only.

Resources Available

Anyone affected who wishes to speak to the Diocese can contact the diocesan safeguarding team at safeguarding@liverpool.anglican.org

Those seeking adoption records should contact the General Register Office, their local Register Office, or specialist adoption support organisations such as PAC-UK / FamilyConnect and Adoption UK. Further information from the Church of England is available at: www.churchofengland.org/historical-adoption

National Church Resources

The Church of England website has published the story in full, including resources and links, which can be accessed here