Please be aware that this page includes references to historical adoption practices, including the separation of mothers and babies, stigma, and experiences of trauma and lasting emotional harm. If you need support, please find details of support below, or visit churchofengland.org/adoption
The Church of England has today (18 June, 2026 ) apologised for its role in historic adoption practices.
Together, Bishop Jonathan Gibbs, the Bishop of Rochester and Bishop Rose Hudson- Wilkin, the Bishop of Dover have welcomed the apology made by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dame Sarah Mullally on behalf of the Church of England, and encourage people affected to seek support.
“We are deeply saddened by any pain and distress experienced by those connected to mother and baby homes affiliated to the Church of England and in our own dioceses of Rochester and Canterbury.
“The Church now recognises the profound and lasting impact some of the decisions taken in these homes have had on so many lives, and the shame, stigma and, in some cases, discrimination experienced, and we support unconditionally the apology that has been given.
“We are continuing to learn about the relationship and involvement our two dioceses had in the provision of care in mother and baby homes, and we recognise that there is still much we do not know about the personal experiences and stories of those connected to them.
“We are committed to supporting those affected by historical adoption practices. We would encourage anyone who has been affected to seek support if they need it, and for anyone who would like to share their experience, to please make contact.
"Only by hearing and listening can we start to properly engage with the questions this part of our history raises and truly understand the pain and trauma suffered.”
If you need help
There are specialist organisations who can offer confidential advice, emotional support, and help with accessing records. Please visit: www.rochester.anglican.org/about-us/historic-adoption/#Help
If this matter has raised difficult feelings, or you need to talk to someone, the following support is available:
- Safe spaces
A free, independent service supporting survivors of church-related abuse. The Safe Spaces initiative is funded by the Church of England together with the Catholic Church in England and Wales and the Church in Wales.
Website: www.safespacesenglandandwales.org.uk
Phone: 0300 303 1056 (answerphone available outside of opening times)
- Samaritans 24/7
Emotional support for anyone in distress
Website: www.samaritans.org
Phone: 116 123
If you want to make contact within someone within the Diocese of Rochester about this matter, please email: historic.adoption@rochester.anglican.org so we can arrange a call.
You can also visit: www.rochester.anglican.org/about-us/historic-adoption