AMEN statement concerning the resignation of the Revd Sharon Hunt, St Mary's Putney

A Statement from The Anglican Minority Ethnic Network (AMEN) on the Resignation of The Reverend Sharon Hunt from The Parish of St Mary, Putney, Diocese of Southwark, Church of England

Rev’d Sharon Hunt, Curate of The Parish of St Mary, Putney, resigned following racist insult against her and silence from others around her who heard the insult and observed the offence. Racism such as was directed at Rev’d Hunt at the parish event in Putney is abhorrent to the Church of England and unacceptable at all times. This was declared in a statement by the Diocese of Southwark, delivered by the Archdeacon of Wandsworth Bridget Shepherd, in which racism was unequivocally condemned and the commitment to racial justice is expected in action and by words was reiterated. AMEN is saddened and disappointed that Rev’d Hunt faced racial abuse and complicit silence of witnesses to the abuse. We encourage the Church of England in their endeavour to realise God’s design and desire that racial and ethnic diversity should be honoured and celebrated. No one should abuse nor keep silent about abuse against God’s created persons.

We are wonderfully and fearfully created in the image of God. A person’s racial identity is part of God’s created image. It is unsound to intimate that anyone should be less worthy of dignity and honour for their skin colour or ethnic heritage. To discriminate or insult anyone on the basis of race, colour, or ethnicity, is a sin against God. 

God, who chooses the place and purpose of His calling to vocation of a Priest, called Rev’d Sharon Hunt to minister to His people in St Mary’s, Putney. Churches sing the words of the prophet Isaiah, “I will go, Lord, if you lead me. I will hold your people in my heart.” That vocation, and Rev’d Hunt’s sending into St Mary’s, Putney, needed to be shared by those who had received her into their community.  Racial insult and silence to abuse do not testify to Christian welcome and support for Rev’d Hunt. We are thankful for the Diocese’s assurance to Rev’d Hunt of pastoral support.

AMEN urges deanery and diocesan officers to investigate this matter honestly, openly, and thoroughly, and to arrive at actions to ensure no one is subject to such abuse going forwards. Racial abuse is a serious matter because it is sin against God, and contravenes the Church’s commitment to live according to God’s holy law. We shall pray for Rev’d Hunt; for the leaders and people of St Mary’s, Putney; and for deanery and diocese officers, as all seek God’s help in the restoration of love and justice. We pray that there is humility to learn, to confess and repent, and for what it means to be people one in Christ to be visible to the world.

The Reverend Eileen Harrop, Chair, and The Reverend Godfrey Kesari, Vice-Chair,

on behalf of the Executive Committee, AMEN

1^st November 2026