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 visit the 'If you need help' section of this page, or visit
The Church of England was a significant provider of mother and baby homes in the mid-20th century. These were set up to support unmarried pregnant mothers and, in many cases, facilitated adoptions.
While a precise number is not known, it is estimated that tens of thousands of mothers and babies came into contact with the homes.
Apology and report
Work has been undertaken to learn more about the Church of England’s involvement in historical adoption practices in the post-war decades, roughly covering the period between 1949 and 1976.
This research has highlighted a mixed and partial picture which sets out care and compassion, alongside some practice which clearly falls short of what would be expected of people in the care of a Christian community. ​​​​The research shows there were examples of care and kindness in some homes and that many staff sought to provide what they believed was support in difficult circumstances. We acknowledge for some mothers adoption was an informed choice and one that they felt was the right decision for themselves and their child.
The Church of England has now (18 June 2026) summarising this research, alongside a public statement apologising for the hurt and trauma many people have experienced as a result of what happened to them in mother and baby homes.
Giving the apology on behalf of the Church of England, the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dame Sarah Mullally, said:
“We are profoundly sorry for the pain, trauma and stigma experienced - and still carried - by many people because of historical adoption practices in homes affiliated to the Church of England.
“We have heard first hand the accounts of mothers who were separated from their babies in circumstances where they had very few meaningful choices."
A time to listen
Together, Bishop Rose Hudson-Wilkin, the Bishop of Dover and Bishop Jonathan Gibbs, the Bishop of Rochester welcome 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.”
Local Context
In the 1860s, the Church of England Dioceses of Canterbury and Rochester set up ‘The Canterbury and Rochester Diocesan Council for Social Responsibility’.
This was a charitable trust established as a joint venture, and its purpose was to provide support for vulnerable people in society.
This joint diocesan council and its sucessors ran a number of different projects in Kent. There is still much we do not know about the provision of mother and baby homes in this Diocese or of the experiences of those within them and we are looking into the records available to find out how the Diocese was involved. We will be updating this page as we know more.
During this period we know the Diocese of Canterbury was jointly responsible for two homes with the Diocese of Rochester; Kendall House in Gravesend and St Faith’s Home in Bearsted. In 2016 a report and apology was issued by the Bishops of Rochester and Dover in 2016 following distressing disclosures about abuse in the Kendall House home.
We are committed to care and support, and our safeguarding team are here to help, please feel free to contact them at safeguarding@diocant.org. It is however worth noting that our diocese does not hold any records of adoptions or records from Kendall House or St Faiths.
If you need help
There are specialist organisations who can offer confidential advice, emotional support, and help with accessing records.
Accessing adoption records
If you know your full original birth name
You need to apply via the for a copy of your original birth certificate.
If you do not know your full birth name
You need to write to the Registrar General explaining that:
- You were adopted
- Your adopted name
- Your date of birth
- That you are applying for a copy of your birth certificate under Schedule 2 of the Adoption and Children Act 2002
More information about accessing your Adoption Records can be found on
An FAQs can also be found here:
Further specialist support
Dedicated, professional support is available through the following organisations:
- PAC-UK
Through their FamilyConnect website, PAC-UK helps adults who have been adopted, adults who have been in care, birth parents and relatives who have lost someone to adoption and professionals working in these areas.
Website:
Email: familyconnect@pac-uk.org
Phone 0300 1800 205
- Adoption UK
Adoption UK is the leading charity for adopted and care experienced people, adoptive families, and others parenting children who can’t live with their birth parents. There information and support advisers can offer practical suggestions, information and encouragement, wherever you are in the process. Anyone is welcome to call including adoptees, adopters, kinship carers, professionals and members of support networks.
Website: www.adoptionuk.org/information-and-support-service
Email: informationsupport@adoptionuk.org.uk
Phone: 0300 666 0006
- Barnardo’s Adoption Support
Support for adoptees, birth families, and adoptive families
Website:
Email: link.referralhub@barnardos.org.uk
Pastoral and emotional support
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:
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 contact someone within the Diocese of Canterbury to share your experience or find out more, please ring 01227 459401. We will listen and offer support where we can.