Church of Ireland Archbishop’s ‘shame’ over mother and baby homes

Archbishop of Armagh, Most Revd John McDowell, said the publication of the Research Report on Mother and Baby Homes and Magdalene Laundries in Northern Ireland reveals more about the suffering experienced by the women and children.

The 500-plus page report sheds light for the first time on the operation of institutions for unmarried mothers and babies, as well as industrial homes known as the Magdalene Laundries .

In a statement on Wednesday, Archbishop McDowell said: “We are grateful to the academic research team for the work that has gone into this report, which will help the Church reflect in greater depth on the issues highlighted.

“Having had a chance to read the relevant chapters of the report, I acknowledge with shame that members of the Church of Ireland stigmatised women and children in a way which was very far removed from Christian principles and which resulted in an unloving, cold and judgmental attitude towards pregnant women who deserved better.”

The facilities were operated by the Catholic Church, the Church of Ireland and the Salvation Army.

Archbishop McDowell added: “The birth of a child should always be a time for happiness, and that many young women experienced it as joyless and cold is a matter for bitter regret.

“I am sorry and apologise for the role we played in treating unmarried women and their children in this way. They deserved much better.

“The Church of Ireland will be giving the report further careful consideration, and we would encourage any individuals or agencies who have relevant knowledge and records to co-operate fully with the independent investigation.”

More than 10,500 women entered mother and baby homes over a 68-year period from 1922. The youngest was aged 12.

The new research was commissioned by the NI Executive in 2017.

Catholic Archbishop Eamon Martin earlier said he was “embarrassed and guilty” over the role of the Catholic church.

“For that I am truly sorry and ask the forgiveness of survivors,” he added.

On Tuesday, First Minister Arlene Foster said an independent investigation ordered by Stormont ministers would hear victims’ voices “loudly and clearly”.

Mrs Foster said: “Children were raped or victims of incest then they were victimised again by being put into these homes.

“It was not their fault that they were raped or the victims of incest yet they were the ones who suffered and it appears to me that those who perpetrated the crime went scot-free.”

The Salvation Army has said it will reflect on the findings and cooperate with the independent investigation.

READ: Hidden history of Northern Ireland’s mother and baby homes

READ: Mother and baby home survivor: it’s time to lift the veil of secrecy

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