The first black priest in the 700-year history of a church in the UK has quit over racist abuse at a parish dinner while others “sat in silence”.

The Rev Sharon Hunt joined the Church of England in Putney, southwest London, in 2023, and had been serving as a curate. She recently took on additional responsibilities when a vacancy for a lead priest opened.

On September 24, Hunt described attending an event in the parish called a “seminar supper”, which is described as a monthly meal for about 14 people at a local home, which involves “a home-cooked meal, and space for learning, conversation, and Q&A in a relaxed, welcoming setting” on the church’s website.

In her resignation letter, Hunt said: “What was meant to be a pleasant evening amongst friends turned into a personal attack on me and my personhood. I was on the receiving end of racist abuse.”

According to a 2024 report on racism in the church, priests can face “enormous prejudice”, especially if you are not “white-skinned”. The report says that priests from minority ethnic backgrounds face “a lot of barriers” in finding permanent roles after their curacies.

Hunt did not specify who had abused her, or detail what had been said, but added: “In speaking those words, it was not just about me but all those who look like me, my family, friends and those who share my culture and heritage.”

“Whilst the racial abuse was happening, other members of this community present witnessed what was taking place and sat in silence. The silence was palpable,” she went on.

“Silence of this nature is equally as harmful as the racial words that are spoken. And what this demonstrated to me in that moment was that I was neither seen nor valued as a member of this community. No one proffered to advocate on my behalf. Inaction and politely looking the other way can never be a response to racism; it is, instead, an act of complicity.”

“Therefore, I have taken the decision to lay down my curacy and step away.”

The Archdeacon of Wandsworth, the Venerable Bridget Shepherd, who was reportedly in attendance at the meal, said in a statement: “I’m aware that this situation has had a significant impact on Sharon, and on others who’ve been affected by it. What took place at the Seminar Supper was unacceptable. No one should have to tolerate racism -however it manifests itself.”

She said Hunt’s resignation would “produce a range of emotions – sadness, confusion, guilt, anger and defensiveness” and urged the congregation to “to take time to prayerfully reflect on what has happened”.

Pastoral support is reportedly being provided to Hunt by the Diocese of Southwark, which says it is investigating the incident.