World · Europe · 1 day ago
Rev Sharon Hunt quits Putney church after racist abuse at parish supper
Rev Sharon Hunt has resigned from St Mary’s Church in Putney, south-west London, after saying she faced racist abuse at a parish supper.
Hunt joined the church in 2023 and was its first priest of African-Caribbean heritage in almost 700 years.
She said the abuse happened at a monthly supper on September 24, where other people present witnessed it but did not intervene.
Hunt said the incident damaged her trust in the community and led her to step away from her role.
The Diocese of Southwark says it condemns racism and has provided pastoral support to Hunt.
The diocese has referred the matter through its process and says it will review lessons and consider how to strengthen anti-racism work with the parish.
Rev Sharon Hunt has resigned from St Mary’s Church in Putney after saying she faced racist abuse at a parish supper.
She said other people present witnessed the abuse but sat in silence.
Hunt said the incident damaged her trust and left her feeling neither seen nor valued by the community.
The Diocese of Southwark said it condemned racism and was providing pastoral support.
Hunt joined the church in 2023 and was its first African-Caribbean heritage priest in almost 700 years.
- Who
- Rev Sharon Hunt, a curate at St Mary’s Church in Putney.
- What
- She resigned after saying she faced racist abuse at a parish supper.
- When
- The supper was on September 24. Her resignation letter was read out on October 25.
- Where
- St Mary’s Church in Putney, southwest London; the supper was held at a local home.
- Why
- Hunt said the abuse and the silence of others present damaged her trust and left her feeling unvalued.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Hunt joined St Mary’s Church in Putney to complete her curacy.
Hunt attended a monthly Seminar Supper at a local home and later said she was subjected to racist abuse.
The Archdeacon of Wandsworth read Hunt’s resignation letter to congregations.
News reports said Hunt had resigned and the Diocese of Southwark was providing pastoral support.
- Church
- St Mary’s Church, Putney, southwest London
- Priest
- Rev Sharon Hunt
- Joined parish
- 2023
- Parish supper
- September 24
- Resignation letter read
- October 25
- Church history
- Hunt was its first African-Caribbean heritage priest in almost 700 years
3 sources
What people are saying
Inaction and politely looking the other way can never be a response to racism; it is, instead, an act of complicity.
What took place at the Seminar Supper was unacceptable. No one should have to tolerate racism — however it manifests itself.
We condemn racism unequivocally. It is abhorrent, unacceptable and has no place in the Church.