Please note: the following includes references to historical adoption practices, including the separation of mothers and babies, stigma and experiences of trauma and lasting emotional harm. Details of support services are included below.
The Church of England has apologised for its role in historical adoption practices, particularly in mother and baby homes. Mother and adoptees who came into contact with these homes have described the profound and lasting impact of these experiences. Published alongside new research into these homes, the apology recognises the impact on people affected and sets out the Church’s commitment to listening, learning and responding with honesty and compassion.
Watch the apology in full here, given on behalf of the Church of England by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Sarah Mullally: Church of England apologises for role in post-war historical adoption practices | The Church of England
The apology follows research by the Church of England into its involvement in mother and baby homes between 1949 and 1976. The findings show that the Church of England was a significant provider of mother and baby homes. Around 185,000 children born to unmarried mothers were adopted across England and Wales during this period altogether, in all contexts.
You can access the full research report here: https://www.dioceseofnorwich.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/historical-adoption-practices-report-web.pdf
The Diocese of Norwich
The research identifies three mother and baby homes within the Diocese of Norwich.
1: St Paul’s Lodge Mother and Baby home, St Paul’s Lodge, Salisbury Road, Great Yarmouth. In operation by 1950. Closed in April 1971.
2: Shelter Lydene, Wisbech Road, King’s Lynn. In operation by 1950.
3: St Bridget’s Shelter, North Parade, Lowestoft. In operation by 1950. Closed 1961.
Letter from the Bishop of Norwich, the Rt Revd Graham Usher
Please do read the following letter from the Bishop of Norwich regarding the apology:
Finding support
If you have been affected by this news or would like to speak to someone, please see the contact information below.
- Diocese of Norwich: 01603 880853 and ask to speak to the safeguarding team. Or email: safeguarding@dioceseofnorwich.org
- Safe Spaces: provides a confidential, personal and safe space for anyone has been abused by someone in the Church. https://www.safespacesenglandandwales.org.uk Helpline: 0300 303 1056
Details of further specialist support: Government resources
- The Adoption Contact Register: https://www.gov.uk/adoption-records/the-adoption-contact-register
Specialist Advice
- National PAC-UK Advice Line: The National PAC-UK Advice Line provides independent, confidential advice and information for people affected by adoption, special guardianship and other forms of permanent care. www.family-action.org.uk/pac-uk 0300 1800 090
- FamilyConnect Advice Line: www.familyconnect.org.uk 0300 666 0006
- Adoption UK: https://www.adoptionuk.org/information-and-support-service 0300 666 0006
Please note: For all the information in one place, please go to: www.churchofengland.org/adoption