Story perspectives

Church of England Prepares Apology for Forced Adoptions

4/8/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Church of England is preparing a draft apology for its role in historical forced adoptions, affecting about 185,000 children from 1949–1976.
Sir Keir Starmer emphasized the need for a formal state apology, supported by a Commons Education Committee report urging immediate action.
The Church has been investigating its involvement and will publish findings soon.
Campaigners say urgency grows as affected individuals age, pressing for timely accountability and redress.

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Story summary

The Church of England is preparing a draft apology for its role in historical forced adoptions, affecting about 185,000 children from 1949–1976.
Sir Keir Starmer emphasized the need for a formal state apology, supported by a Commons Education Committee report urging immediate action.
The Church has been investigating its involvement and will publish findings soon.
Campaigners say urgency grows as affected individuals age, pressing for timely accountability and redress.