Barnabas Aid, a Christian charity dedicated to assisting persecuted Christians globally, is currently under scrutiny by the Charity Commission. The regulatory body has initiated a statutory inquiry, its highest level of investigation, into allegations of financial mismanagement within the organization.
As part of the ongoing investigation, the Charity Commission has imposed financial restrictions on Barnabas Aid. The charity is now prohibited from making payments exceeding £4,000 without prior approval. This measure aims to safeguard the organization's substantial resources, which include an income of over £21 million and assets surpassing £2.3 million, as reported in its most recent financial statements.
The inquiry was prompted by concerns regarding the charity's adherence to legal requirements and the appropriate use of donated funds. Allegations have surfaced suggesting that the former international chief executive, Noel Frost, misused corporate credit cards for personal expenses, including trips to Las Vegas and an Iron Man competition. Frost has since been dismissed from his position.
Further questions have arisen concerning payments made to trustees, including the Marquess of Reading, who remains in his role. The charity's founders, Rev Dr Patrick Sookhdeo and his wife Rosemary, have been suspended amid internal conflicts within the organization.
Barnabas Aid, established in 1993, operates in over 60 countries worldwide, focusing on supporting persecuted Christians in Muslim-majority nations. The charity has been involved in various humanitarian projects, including food distribution, education support, and rescuing Christians from conflict zones. It has also advocated for religious freedom at international forums and provided legal assistance to persecuted Christians in various countries.
The organization has faced controversy in the past over its stance on Islam and has been critical of Western governments' policies towards Christian refugees. Despite these challenges, Barnabas Aid has continued its work in translating and distributing Bibles in restricted countries, providing medical assistance in areas affected by natural disasters, and supporting theological education in developing nations.
The Charity Commission's investigation will also examine allegations of "inappropriate control or influence" and conflicts of interest involving the charity's founders. There are concerns about a potential £15 million discrepancy in the group's finances, as indicated by internal documents.
In response to the investigation, a spokesperson for Barnabas Aid stated that the organization welcomes the inquiry and will cooperate fully with the regulator to "bring order to chaos." The charity emphasized that its work continues to provide hope to suffering people worldwide.
Dr Sookhdeo expressed support for the investigation, stating, "For decades these charities have been helping persecuted Christians around the world. Now that my beloved Rosemary and I are both terminally ill, we are determined to stop the vultures circling around the £100 million assets which are desperately needed by those still suffering for their faith."
As the investigation unfolds, Barnabas Aid faces the challenge of maintaining its mission to support persecuted Christians while addressing the serious allegations of financial mismanagement. The outcome of this inquiry may have significant implications for the charity's future operations and its ability to continue its work in over 60 countries worldwide.