The Diocese of Hereford which is the Church of England in Herefordshire and South Shropshire is today issuing a formal and unreserved apology to all those affected by historic adoption practices in which the Church historically participated.
We recognise that this statement cannot undo the harm. An apology cannot heal the grief and loss that so many have carried.
Between the mid 1860’s and the early 1970s, the Diocese of Hereford which is the Church of England in Herefordshire and South Shropshire were responsible for 2 Church of England run mother and baby homes, in Hereford - St Martin’s Home and The Haven. After the early 1970s the homes passed into the control of the County Council, before eventual closure in 1989.
The Bishop of Hereford, The Rt Revd Richard Jackson said: “We recognise that we (the Church of England) played a role in the widespread adoption practices that removed children from their mothers and families during the immediate post-war period, in ways that would not be considered acceptable today.
“We lament for our involvement in these practices and for the trauma and hurt caused to women and children with this lived experience, whilst recognising that treatment in the homes, at the time, was often delivered with compassion for the mothers and babies.”
Our initial research has identified that the local Church did not act alone in these practices. The widespread adoption of children born to unmarried mothers, in post-war Britain, was embedded in broader cultural attitudes of the time. It recognised that many individual clergy and Church workers genuinely believed they were acting in the best interests of the children and mothers at the time.
The bishop adds: “The wider context does not diminish our responsibility or role in these practices.
Our apology for historic involvement in these practices marks a moment for reflection, an opportunity to show compassion and to listen and focus on treating those affected with dignity and respect.
He adds: We remain keen to listen to people directly affected. Testimonies are deeply moving they highlight lifelong impact and are an important part of ensuring reflection leads to change. We pray for those who carry these experiences and I echo the words of the archbishop in saying that I pray we find grace to be a church where everyone is treated with love and dignity.”
Earlier research work undertaken as part of the Hush Project 2018, brought to light the stories of some of the women who lived in the Haven and St Martin’s as well as another home in the Bartestree area, which was run by a Catholic religious order.
The diocese has endeavoured to do its own research, to understand what information we hold. This included exploring the County Records Office to find out more from the archives. The reports and other governance documentation provide details on the women entering the homes, and the number of babies born and adopted. The reports also highlight the role of former church leaders in financial decision making and operational leadership of the homes. This crossmatches with the detailed research work undertaken in 2018 as part of the project with Feral Productions.
If you have any information about the Haven or St Martin’s Homes in Hereford and feel comfortable to share it, we will welcome hearing from you. Please email comms@hereford.anglican.org and we can arrange a phone call or meeting.
Finding support
If you have been affected by this news or would like to speak to someone, a range of options are listed below. This includes specialist agencies and charities the Church of England has worked with. The national research published today by the Church of England alond with supporting information can be found on the dedicated Church of England | Adoption page
Details of further specialist support:
Government resources
The Adoption Contact Register
Website:
https://www.gov.uk/adoption-records/the-adoption-contact-register
Phone: 0300 123 1837
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. The service is staffed by qualified and experienced PAC-UK
counsellors and social workers with specialist expertise in these areas.
Website www.family-action.org.uk/pac-uk
Email advice@pac-uk.org
Phone 0300 1800 090
FamilyConnect Advice Line
Delivered by Family Action's adoption support agency PAC-UK, FamilyConnect
provides information, support and guidance on tracing and reconnecting with family
members, the services available, and whether you may be eligible for funding.
Website www.familyconnect.org.uk
Email familyconnect@pac-uk.org
Phone 0300 1800 205
Adoption UK (Practical suggestions, information and encouragement with signposting to specialist help)
Website: https://www.adoptionuk.org/information-and-support-service
Information and support service: 0300 666 0006
Email: informationsupport@adoptionuk.org.uk
Contacting the Church of England
Within the Church of England, you can speak to your vicar or contact Hereford diocese who will listen. Where helpful, it may be suggested that you contact specialist services, some of which are listed above.
You can find your local parish details by visiting A Church Near You
If reading about these issues raises difficult feelings or you need to talk to someone, support is available.
Safe Spaces provides a confidential, personal and safe space for anyone who has
been abused by someone in the Church
Website: https://www.safespacesenglandandwales.org.uk
Helpline: 0300 303 1056
Alternatively, you may wish to contact the diocesan safeguarding team on email: safeguading@hereford.aglican.org or phone: 07999 028076 or the National Safeguarding Team at safeguarding@churchofengland.org
Additional services
Barnardo’s Adoption Support (Support for adoptees, birth families, and adoptive families)
Website: https://www.barnardos.org.uk/adopt/link-adoption-support-service
Email: link.referralhub@barnardos.org.uk
Samaritans 24/7 (emotional support for anyone in distress)
Website: https://www.samaritans.org
Phone: 116 123