Church of England apologises for role in forced adoptions
The Church of England's apology for its role in forced adoptions between the 1940s and 1980s reveals a pattern of institutional moral failure within Christendom, echoing Scripture's warnings about leaders who cause the vulnerable to stumble.
Matthew 18:6
Direct Principle“but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea.”
Why this passage
In its original context, Jesus warns against causing 'little ones'—those who are humble, vulnerable, and trusting in Him—to stumble into sin. The hyperbole of the millstone underscores the severity of harming the innocent.
The Church of England's forced adoptions directly caused immense suffering to vulnerable mothers and children, a clear violation of this principle.
Behold, the Church of England has confessed its grievous sin: for decades, mothers and children were torn asunder under the shadow of its authority. Our Lord Jesus declared, "Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea" (Matthew 18:6).
This apology, though late, is a step toward the repentance that Scripture demands. Yet it stands as a solemn reminder that even the visible church can fall into deep moral darkness when it forgets the Shepherd's voice and trusts in its own power.
Today's Prayer
Pray that the Church of England's repentance would be genuine and complete, leading to lasting reform and healing for all those harmed by its actions.
Further Scripture
Additional passages that illuminate this event, each grounded in a distinct interpretive lens.
“He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?”
Why this passage
Micah 6:8 is a classic summary of God's ethical demands: justice, kindness (hesed—covenantal loyalty and mercy), and humility before God. The prophet was addressing a people who thought ritual sacrifice sufficed while they neglected righteousness.
The verse directly judges any institution—including the church—that fails in these three areas.
How it applies
The Church of England's forced adoption practices were a profound failure of justice (coercing mothers, separating families), kindness (inflicting lifelong trauma), and humility (trusting in institutional authority rather than God's compassion). The apology, while welcome, cannot undo the decades of disobedience to this clear divine requirement.
Related by Scripture
Other events we've interpreted through the same passage or hermeneutical lens.
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Source: The Guardian— we link to the original for full context.