AI Generated Image
Archbishop of Canterbury issues apology for church's role in forced adoptions
AP News • • world
Key Points:
- The Church of England issued a formal apology for its role in forced adoptions at mother and baby homes affiliated with the church from 1949 to 1976, acknowledging the trauma experienced by many unmarried women.
- Archbishop of Canterbury Sarah Mullally expressed deep regret for the pain and stigma caused by historical adoption practices where women were often coerced and separated from their babies with limited choices.
- The report revealed that many women were subjected to menial labor as punishment for having children out of wedlock, and babies were sometimes treated as commodities to meet adoption demand.
- Despite official church policies supporting unmarried mothers' rights to keep their children, staff frequently ignored these guidelines and collaborated with adoption agencies, reflecting a culture of shame and secrecy.
- The report criticized the dehumanizing attitudes and dismissive language used by church staff, which fell short of the care expected for vulnerable individuals in their charge.
