This page includes references to historical adoption practices, including the separation of mothers and babies, stigma, and experiences of trauma and lasting emotional harm. Details of support services may be found at churchofengland.org/historical-adoption

The Diocese of Carlisle welcomes the Church of England’s apology for its role in historical adoption practices.

We acknowledge the deep hurt of those with lived experience of forced adoption and those who suffered abuse at the hands of people who should have cared for them and their children. We also acknowledge with deep regret the accusations of abuse and malpractice which have centred on the Diocese’s former St Monica’s maternity home in Kendal which closed in 1970. It is a matter of deep shame that there are those who were not afforded the appropriate care. We are truly sorry.

We are grateful to those people who courageously came forward with testimony of malpractice, neglect and lack of care suffered by them or their loved ones. We will continue to draw alongside and learn from those with lived experience of St Monica’s and to doing what we can to support them. We are also committed to working with representatives from the Movement for an Adoption Apology UK, to identify how best those who have lived experience of such behaviours can be listened to and supported and how their testimonies can be honoured and memorialised.

We would point people towards national support structures which are in place should they wish to make inquiries about adoption records or to report safeguarding concerns. Further information on the research and apology, and support, is available here: www.churchofengland.org/historical-adoption or at www.carlislediocese.org.uk/historical-adoption/.

There may be other people who have specific connections to St Monica’s Home and who have been affected by issues raised here and need further support. They can contact our Head of Safeguarding and Diocesan Safeguarding Officer, Joanna Van Lachterop, on 07458 016884 or at safeguarding.adviser@carlislediocese.org.uk. Alternatively, people may wish to contact Safe Spaces, a free and independent support service for anyone who has been abused by someone in the Church or as a result of their relationship with the Church of England. Safe Spaces can be contacted by telephone on 0300 303 1056 or via email at safespaces@firstlight.org.uk. Meanwhile, there may also be some people who have connections to St Monica’s and have queries about access to Diocesan records held about St Monica’s. Please contact Bishop’s Chaplain Ali Ng at bishopschaplain@carlislediocese.org.uk.

ENDS

For further information contact Dave Roberts, Diocesan Head of Communications, on 07469 153658 or at communications@carlislediocese.org.uk.