Talk:Barnabas Aid

Anonymous edits

The article has been edited several times by unregistered users. If you have something to contribute to this page, please register as a user and discuss the changes here in the talk page. Otherwise, such edits will be reverted. DFH 19:47, 23 August 2006 (UTC)

There is nothing wrong with having edits by unregistered users; this is permissible and even encouraged by Wikipedia policy. If you want to proselytize, do it elsewhere. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 68.150.34.208 (talk) 17:29, 8 February 2008 (UTC)

'islamaphobic'?

I would like to request patience by the original author/authors for my editing (deleting) of the word 'islamaphobic' in the passage about the Barnabas Fund's published works regarding Islam and western society. To call them islamaphobic, or indeed truthful is surely, in the context of this website, a matter of opinion and should therefore be left to the readers of those books to make up their own minds. I did toy with the phrase '..some have interpreted them as islamaphobic' but one might as well (in order to be impartial - which I assume an encyclopedia should strive to be) then say ..'and others have interpreted as true'. You would then have to state opinions on both sides concerning practically everything in every article. The preceding words.. 'At the same time, Barnabas Fund officials are quite opposed to the trend of Christian conversions to other religions in Western countries..' has validity because as an organisation which believes that the Gospels and the messages therein are true they are bound (logically) to be opposed to conversion to other religions. This makes the statement more than just opinion unlike the 'islamaphodic' reference which follows.

In gratitude for your understanding. —Preceding unsigned comment added by Dullitch (talk • contribs) 12:51, 22 February 2008 (UTC)

Dullitch (talk) 12:53, 22 February 2008 (UTC)

Based in Anglican Church

Dr. Sookhdeo is an Angican Canon, and recognized as being part of its evangelical wing. Given that he is the driving force here, it is uncontroversial that this is based in the Evangelical wing of the Anglican Church. The Barnabas Fund certainly does not speak for all Christians, so it is important to be more specific.

The other part you deleted "At the same time, Barnabas Fund..." was resolved months ago. See above. Again, nothing controversial; these are direct quotes taken from the Barnabas Fund itself.

Dr. Sookhdeo's opposition to the airing of other interpretations of Jesus on British television should also be noted in this context. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 96.52.162.82 (talk) 18:09, 2 January 2009 (UTC)

re: Based in Anglican Church and Christian to Islamic converts

Correct: it is not controversial, however it is factually incorrect. Barnabas Fund has many regional directors from different denominations.

It's direction in all matters is led by a steering group from different denominations.

It employs Christians from all denominations.

It has Church representatives in every denomination.

It appeals to Christians from all denominations.

It receives aid and support from every denomination.

It serves Christians in all denominations.

Of course it cannot (and does not) claim to speak for all Christians - but to say it is based in the Anglican church is incorrect and misleading. A Christian director may of course have come from a denomination themselves but this is irrelevant. Patrick Sookhdeo has been referenced and that should be enough.

On the second issue-

The reason this article contains information regarding persecuted converts from Islam to Christianity (apostates) is because aiding apostates is one of Barnabas Fund's principle aims and therefore relevant to stating what Barnabas Fund is (and does).

Including information regarding what a 'Barnabas Fund official' publishes is not relevant to this article because:

If you are referring to general Christian beliefs and feelings (as was the previous poster) then this is not the right forum - and therefore not relevant.

The Barnabas Fund official (which is referred to) publishes completely (and I would suppose legally) independently of Barnabas therefore their views are not necessarily that of Barnabas Fund.

Stopping converts from Christianity to Islam is not one of Barnabas Fund's aims and therefore is not relevant to this article (what is Barnabas Fund and what does it do).

If you wish to make an entry on the life, works and views of the Barnabas Fund official in question then by all means do so, but in this context the article is not a debate - information should be relevant and factual. —Preceding unsigned comment added by Researcher3098 (talk • contribs) 12:19, 5 January 2009 (UTC)

re: main points above

OK, I'll agree with interdenominational -- although there is no evidence given that it is indeed so -- and include a note about that applying primarily to the director.

As was settled in the 'Islamophobic' section above: "The preceding words.. 'At the same time, Barnabas Fund officials are quite opposed to the trend of Christian conversions to other religions in Western countries..' has validity". These are official publications made available through the Barnabas Fund and sold through its website. They are thus highly relevant in illlustrating the BF's purpose and activities. The purpose here is not to portray the BF as it wishes to be portrayed, but to give readers a full view of its nature and activities. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 96.52.162.82 (talk) 21:15, 10 January 2009 (UTC)

Re: ISIC and Barnabas Fund entry merger

I disagree with this. Just looked at both Barnabas and ISIC sites and can find no public reference to the two being linked on either site - I understand this link was probably public in the past - but unless the two organisations currently link to each other I'm not sure they should be merged. If anything ISIC should be merged with Patrick Sookhdeo? — Preceding unsigned comment added by 89.238.151.214 (talk) 10:20, 29 August 2013 (UTC)

re-work of content

Why this update is needed

The revised version of the Barnabas Aid article brings the content up to date and ensures it reflects a fair and accurate picture of the organisation.

A lot has happened in recent years—including serious internal challenges and an ongoing investigation by the UK Charity Commission. These developments are in the public domain and should be clearly documented for transparency and balance. At the same time, the update recognises Barnabas Aid’s long history of charitable work and the global reach of its aid efforts.

This new version improves structure, clarity, and tone. It also makes sure that all key claims—both positive and critical—are backed by reliable sources, including national news outlets, independent Christian media, and the charity's own publications. The goal is not to promote or condemn, but to inform—clearly and accurately.

Bringing the article in line with Wikipedia’s standards of neutrality and verifiability helps readers understand both the impact and the complexity of this well-known organisation.

Barnabas Aid

CEO: Colin Bloom

Founded: 1993

Charitable objectives: Providing aid and practical support to Christians in contexts of suffering and persecution, and raising awareness of their needs to help Christians in the West to pray

Website: www.barnabasaid.org

Barnabas Aid is an international, interdenominational Christian aid agency that supports suffering and persecuted Christians, primarily in the Majority (i.e., non-Western) world. The main focus of Barnabas is helping those suffering persecution and discrimination for their faith, but this aim has also broadened to include Christians facing humanitarian needs who may have no other source of help. Barnabas works primarily through trusted partners in many different countries, funding projects developed by local churches and other Christian organisations. In this way Barnabas aims to serve rather than lead.

History

Barnabas Aid was founded in 1993 by Patrick Sookhdeo. Much of the focus within the Church at this time was the needs of Christians living under communist rule. Barnabas sought to draw attention to the persecution faced by Christians in Muslim-majority countries. This objective followed a conference convened by Sookhdeo in Cyprus in 1989, at which church leaders from Africa, Asia and the Middle East set out their needs and the challenges they faced.

In its more than three decades, Barnabas has helped millions of Christians in more than 100 different countries.

In 2021, Barnabas founded a major new project, food.gives – later shortened to .gives to reflect a broader range of aid delivered to Christians around the world. Rather than sending just funds, the aim of .gives is to send food and other practical aid to hungry and impoverished Christian communities. Through .gives, Barnabas has sent food and aid to more than 25 “receiving” countries from ten “sending” countries (including Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, the United States and the UK).

The work of Barnabas

In the last 30 years Barnabas has funded around 5,000 projects. Most fall into the following areas.

·        Food: Funding the delivery of food parcels or sending food to lands of scarcity.

·        Water: Digging boreholes, installing water pumps, and providing water filtration systems.

·        Medical needs: Providing medicines as well as funding the setting up of clinics and other medical facilities.

·        Victims of violence: Providing shelter, emergency supplies, and trauma counselling to those who have experienced violent persecution.

·        Disaster relief: Emergency aid following natural disasters such as floods and earthquakes.

·        Schools: Funding Christian schools of Christian children.

·        Opportunity: Skills training, literacy classes, small business start-ups.

·        Bibles and scriptures: Giving Bibles and New Testaments in a variety of languages.

·        Pastors and church leaders: Financially supporting the work of pastors and evangelists, as well as providing pastoral and theological training.

Publications

Barnabas publishes a bi-monthly Barnabas Aid magazine, highlighting its work on behalf of suffering and persecuted Christians, as well as raising awareness of their needs. Each magazine is accompanied by a prayer diary that helps supporters pray knowledgably for their brothers and sisters.

Barnabas also publishes an annual booklet called Praying for the Suffering Church, which is a detailed examination of how Christians face persecution from governments, communities and terrorist groups in many parts of the world.

Governance

Barnabas Aid is a global ministry with offices and staff in several countries.

The four main Barnabas offices are in Australia, New Zealand, the United States and the UK. The heads of Barnabas in these countries together form Barnabas Aid International (BAI – also known as Nexcus, and formerly known as Christian Relief International).

BAI is the umbrella organisation that sits above the global Barnabas Family of ministries.

Barnabas controversy

In 2015 Patrick Sookhdeo was convicted of sexual assault and witness intimidation.

In 2024 a series of whistleblowing allegations of financial impropriety and workplace bullying led to the suspension of Sookhdeo and other senior leaders.

Former CEO Noel Frost was dismissed from his position for the misappropriation of funds.

In October 2024 Barnabas welcomed the opening of a UK Charity Commission investigation.

Organisational Overview & History

1. {{cite web |title=Barnabas Aid – About Us |url=https://www.barnabasaid.org/gb/about-us/ |website=Barnabas Aid |access-date=2 July 2025 |publisher=Barnabas Aid |quote=Founded in 1993, Barnabas Aid supports persecuted Christians by channeling aid through local churches and organisations.}}
2. {{cite web |title=Barnabas Aid |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barnabas_Aid |website=Wikipedia |access-date=2 July 2025 |publisher=Wikipedia contributors |quote=Barnabas Aid was founded by Patrick Sookhdeo in 1993 to support Christians suffering persecution, especially in Muslim-majority countries.}}

food.gives Project

1. {{cite web |title=food.gives – How it works |url=https://www.barnabasaid.org/gb/food-gives/ |website=Barnabas Aid |access-date=2 July 2025 |publisher=Barnabas Aid |quote=Launched in 2021, food.gives enables the donation and delivery of food and practical aid to Christians in need across over 25 countries.}}

Project Work

1. {{cite web |title=What We Do |url=https://www.barnabasaid.org/gb/what-we-do/ |website=Barnabas Aid |access-date=2 July 2025 |publisher=Barnabas Aid |quote=Barnabas Aid supports thousands of projects globally, including food relief, medical aid, water access, Bibles, education and pastor support.}}

Publications

1. {{cite web |title=Barnabas Aid Magazine |url=https://www.barnabasaid.org/gb/magazine/ |website=Barnabas Aid |access-date=2 July 2025 |publisher=Barnabas Aid |quote=Published bi-monthly, the Barnabas Aid magazine highlights the needs of the persecuted Church, alongside a prayer diary.}}

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Governance and International Structure

1. {{cite web |title=Charity Commission Statement |url=https://www.barnabasaid.org/gb/charity-commission-statement/ |website=Barnabas Aid |access-date=2 July 2025 |publisher=Barnabas Aid |quote=Barnabas Aid operates internationally through country offices including Australia, New Zealand, the UK and USA under the umbrella of Barnabas Aid International (Nexcus).}}

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Controversy and Investigations

1. {{cite news |last=Bailey |first=Madge |title=Charity Commission investigates Barnabas Aid |url=https://www.churchtimes.co.uk/articles/2024/11-october/news/uk/charity-commission-investigates-barnabas-aid |work=Church Times |date=11 October 2024 |access-date=2 July 2025 |quote=The Charity Commission has opened an investigation into Barnabas Aid following whistleblower reports of financial misconduct.}}
2. {{cite news |last=Shellnutt |first=Kate |title=UK Regulators Investigate Barnabas Aid After Reports of Financial Misconduct |url=https://www.christianitytoday.com/news/2024/october/barnabas-aid-investigation-finances-sookhdeo-frost.html |work=Christianity Today |date=12 October 2024 |access-date=2 July 2025 |quote=Barnabas Aid confirmed the suspension of Patrick Sookhdeo and CEO Noel Frost following serious allegations of mismanagement.}}
3. {{cite news |title=Christian charity investigated amid reports of £15m hole in global group’s finances |url=https://www.civilsociety.co.uk/news/christian-charity-investigated-amid-reports-of-15m-hole-in-global-group-s-finances.html |work=Civil Society News |date=26 September 2024 |access-date=2 July 2025 |quote=The Charity Commission has launched a statutory inquiry into Barnabas Aid International, citing concerns over missing funds and governance.}}
4. {{cite web |title=Patrick Sookhdeo |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patrick_Sookhdeo |website=Wikipedia |access-date=2 July 2025 |quote=In 2015, Sookhdeo was convicted of sexual assault and witness intimidation. He later returned to senior roles at Barnabas Aid.}}

DefenderoftheFaith77777 (talk) 15:57, 2 July 2025 (UTC)