Anglican Church confronts its past: apology over forced adoptions

The Church of England issued a formal apology for its role in the historic forced adoptions of unmarried mothers, saying it is profoundly sorry for the pain, trauma and stigma suffered by birth mothers and children in the 1949–1976 mother-and-baby homes. A church report found staff attitudes and poor conditions at times, with some mothers subjected to demeaning labels and practices. While welcomed by some, critics argued the statement lacks a clear admission of wrongdoing. The government plans a separate state apology, and the church is offering parish-based support to those affected.