Archbishop of Canterbury apologizes for Church of England's role in forced adoptions

The Church operated approximately 100 mother and baby homes during this period. A report commissioned by the Church revealed documents from 1970 that described these homes as places from which "adoption agencies get their raw material," highlighting the systemic nature of the practice.

This apology follows the government's confirmation that it will also make a full apology on behalf of the state for its involvement in what Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson called a "shameful period" in British history. The Prime Minister is expected to make the state apology in the coming weeks.

However, the Adult Adoptee Movement, representing victims, described the Church's statement as lacking a specific admission of wrongdoing or recognition of harms. The Catholic Church had previously issued an apology in 2016 for its involvement in similar forced adoption practices.