Church of England apologises for role in post-war adoption practice
The Acting Bishop of Chichester, Will Hazlewood, Bishop of Lewes, commends the Archbishop of Canterbury's statement, saying: "The Church must acknowledge our failings and strive to listen, lament and learn together."
Church of England apologises for role in post-war adoption practice.
The Acting Bishop of Chichester, Will Hazlewood, Bishop of Lewes, said today:
"We commend the Archbishop of Canterbury's statement. The Church must acknowledge our failings and strive to listen, lament and learn together.
“The Church of England's guidance was that mothers and babies were encouraged to stay together. The stigma, trauma and emotional harm caused to some families as a result of the separation of mothers and babies is vividly and painfully explained in the Report.
"We are committed to listening and learning and to responding with honesty and compassion. We have made our parishes across Sussex aware of the publication of the Report. They now have access to contact details of organisations available to help for those who want to speak about their experience.”
"We have also underlined the availability of special prayers issued to be used individually and in parishes over the next days and weeks."
You can read the full Church of England apology here
Prayers
Some prayers which may be shared around the publication of the apology, or for private prayer.
Let us pray for all whose lives have suffered rejection, separation, or grief.
Lord, have mercy.
For all who have carried burdens of shame and fear, that they may know the comfort of God’s love: Lord, have mercy.
For children separated from their mothers, and for all families divided, that God may bring restoration and peace: Lord, have mercy.
For those whose dignity was denied and whose voices were not heard, that they may be honoured and upheld: Lord, have mercy.
For all who carry wounds of body, mind, or spirit, that Christ may bring healing and freedom:
Lord, have mercy.
For the hope of new creation, that sorrow may be turned to joy and every tear wiped away:
Lord, have mercy.
Loving God,
you hear the cry of the afflicted and gather the outcast.
Look with mercy on all whose lives
have suffered rejection, loss, or neglect.
Bind up the wounds of the broken-hearted,
assure them of your love,
and grant us grace to walk in the way of your Son,
Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.