There was consternation and turmoil amongst the staff of Barnabas Aid UK when we heard about the charity’s pro-LGBTQ stance and the job adverts that did not even require the applicant to be a Christian. Some of us were in deep shock. We could not understand how such a change of ethos could occur.
Barnabas used to be a Biblically conservative organisation. But things have changed under the leadership of Colin Bloom, who took charge in April 2024.
Philip Richards was elected Chairman of Barnabas Aid by a Board majority in April. He was confirmed again as Chairman at a more recent Board meeting. This information is publicly available on the Charity Commission website.
I am in the fortunate position that leading a ten-decade family business arms me with business intelligence that is different and unique to our competitors. Business schools sell the idea that a weak cashflow is Enemy No.1. Not so, it’s only Enemy No. 2, because with the onset of free speech false accusations wreak for more havoc.
For those of you who did not receive my previous open letter, I was elected a Trustee a year ago and then Chairman of Barnabas Aid in April by a majority of the Board just prior to the seizure of our premises and organisation by Nexcus. Lord Reading has refused to accept this vote by the majority of the Board and remains closely aligned with Nexcus International (formerly Christian Relief International).
OCRPL, including its undergraduate wing The Shepherd’s Academy, is in grave danger.
Will you help save the Oxford Centre for Religion and Public Life? Will you pray and act to preserve its vital ministry to train and equip Christian leaders from the Global South, especially those who are poor and marginalised?
My name is Caroline Kerslake and I am a founder of Barnabas Aid.
In the wake of the coverage of the charity in the Telegraph this weekend I am writing this public note. Barnabas Aid is a faith charity that is sometimes heavily reliant on goodwill and volunteers, but we have always sought to comply with charity law and the guidance of the Charity Commission.
This note summarises the shocking problems which have occurred at the Barnabas Group of charities since Colin Bloom took over in April. It then asks you to write one simple letter which could make all the difference in solving the issues.