Church of England leaders in Staffordshire have said they will support anyone connected to mother and baby homes with the Church of England – and appealed for anyone affected to get in touch.
Organisations operating between 1912-1980s with affiliation to the Diocese of Lichfield, which includes Biddulph, included North Staffordshire Hostel for Mothers and Babies in Newcastle-under-Lyme, which was closed by 1956, and Stoke Bradwell home, on First Avenue, Porthill, closed by 1950.
Five bishops, the Rt Revs Dr Michael Ipgrave (pictured), Bishop of Lichfield; Sarah Bullock, Bishop of Shrewsbury; Matthew Parker, Bishop of Stafford; Dr Tim Wambunya, Bishop of Wolverhampton and the Paul Thomas, Bishop of Oswestry, have pledged “listening and support” for those affected who wish to come forward.
Speaking on the publication of a national report they said: “We pay tribute to the tenacious research that has shed light on the actions and events of the past. It is our prayer that this apology is the beginning of bringing healing and recovery to those affected and to bringing lament for the errors of the past from which we pledge learning more deeply what it means to recognise the image of God in others.
“To anyone affected by this news, the Diocese of Lichfield is here for you. The church today offers you support to the best of our ability. We receive you with care and compassion, with dignity and respect.
“We will do our utmost to help you find the information you seek, the support you need, the listening ear to whom you can tell your story, however much of it you wish to tell.”
Their comments followed the Church of England’s apology for its role where historical adoption practices “fell short” of the standard expected today, particularly in mother and baby homes.
The Church said the practices and societal attitudes of the time placed “immense pressure” on unmarried mothers, often leaving them with little choice but to place their babies for adoption.
Giving the apology on behalf of the Church of England, the Archbishop of Canterbury, 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 firsthand the accounts of mothers who were separated from their babies in circumstances where they had very few meaningful choices.
“We know that many women and girls were at times made to carry out menial and manual work as a form of ‘correction’.
“We also recognise where prejudice – including on the grounds of race and disability – shaped and defined experiences and outcomes.
“We are listening to the voices of people affected. They have told us about the pain, shame and indignity experienced both then and now.”
The research has identified seven mother and baby homes, all now closed, in Lichfield Diocese.
Anyone seeking help can contact the diocesan safeguarding team by phone or email. They will be able to signpost sources of support and pass people on seeking information about adoptions to statutorily regulated services providing this.
There is a dedicated email (safeguarding@lichfield.anglican.org) and phone number: 01543 306 147.
Safe Spaces provides a confidential, personal and safe space for anyone who has been abused by someone in the Church. See safespacesenglandandwales.org.uk or call 0300 303 1056. Alternatively, contact the national Church safeguarding team at safeguarding@churchofengland.org
