Archbishop Peter Jensen has apologised on behalf of Sydney Diocese over forced adoptions in the 1960's.

The New South Wales government also apologised last week at a joint sitting of Parliament.

More than 100 thousand Australian babies were taken from their mothers in the 1950's and 60's as health workers followed the so-called 'clean break' theory, under which babies were adopted from their mostly young and single mothers, with minimal contact.

The South Australian and Western Australian government also apologised.

In a statement, Dr Jensen said "As Archbishop of the Diocese of Sydney and President of ANGLICARE Sydney, I apologise and express our sincere regret for actions that have contributed to the past and ongoing distress of these mothers and their children."

Anglicare issued an apology in 2000 through the NSW Standing Committee on Social Issues, which looked into the practice.

The Archbishop said "I unreservedly endorse the view that although policies and procedures were followed at the time, it is clear there were practices that caused emotional pain and long-term negative repercussions. We are working to implement the recommendations made by the Senate Inquiry into Forced Adoptions.  We are also currently putting into place a healing and restoration process with the women who are still experiencing emotional distress as a result of relinquishing their children. On behalf of the Diocese, I would like express our sincere apology to mothers, fathers, children and other family members who suffered emotional pain or any kind of distress."

In the 1960's, Carramar maternity home opened in Turramurra and the Church of England Adoption Agency commenced as a part of Carramar. For part of that decade, adoptions were arranged directly through Carramar.With the implementation in 1967 of the Adoption of Children Act, the Anglican Adoption Agency was set up as a separate entity and adoptions were arranged by the agency for the women at Carramar, as well as other women outside the Carramar network.

Anglicare now runs two adoption programs, one for the domestic adoption of babies, and the second for the adoption of babies and children with special needs. In New South Wales, all adoptions are now open and adopted children can choose to maintain a relationship with their birth parents.