The Methodist Church apology in relation to Mother and Baby Homes and forced adoptions

The Methodist Church apology in relation to Mother and Baby Homes and forced adoptions

The Methodist Church in Britain is issuing a formal apology to anyone who has been hurt or abused in any of the Mother and Baby Homes that it was responsible for in the past.

Part of the mission of the Methodist Church in the 20th century was to work with single mothers who did not have others to support them. The aim of the Church (which no longer runs any homes) was to offer compassion and care. But we are deeply saddened and ashamed that some mothers who lived in these Homes, and some children who started their lives there, have shared with us that they experienced poor or abusive care and were denied control and decision making over their own lives. For decades these institutions operated under our oversight, and many vulnerable individuals, we have been told, were subjected to harsh conditions, neglect and abuse. We deeply regret any pain and trauma which may have been caused by our actions and the systemic failures that allowed such injustice to occur.

We are grateful that women who spent time in some of the Homes have been willing to step forward and share their experiences with us. We hope that this might encourage more women to come forward so we can offer ongoing support.

We recognise the profound impact these experiences have had on survivors and their families and we are committed to supporting the healing process and ensuring that such injustices are never repeated.

To those who were affected, we offer our sincerest apologies.

If you have been affected in any way through experiences related to any Home, and would like to speak with someone, please make contact with the Safeguarding team in the Methodist Church, who work with victims and survivors of abuse. If you wish to remain anonymous this will be respected.

• Phone: +44 (0) 20 7467 5189
• Email: Safeguarding@methodistchurch.org.uk