It was with great sorrow that the board of trustees of Barnabas Aid International had to announce the resignation of Dr Patrick Sookhdeo as a trustee of Barnabas Aid International and from his positions as International Director and CEO of Barnabas Fund as of 22 November.
They said that Dr Sookhdeo, who founded Barnabas Fund, had led it with zeal, vision and integrity for 22 years. Their press release explained: ‘We are immensely grieved that current circumstances oblige him to step down.’ On 23 February, Dr Sookhdeo had been found guilty of sexually assaulting a female member of staff. However, close friends have always expressed doubts about the facts of the case.
The Revd Paul Mursalin will become Acting International Director and Hendrik Storm will become CEO.
Dr Sookhdeo said: ‘It has been a privilege to serve the persecuted church for many years. I have always been motivated by the needs of Christians facing suffering. I hope for many years to come I can continue serving those whom the world often doesn’t notice. My inspiration has always been Barnabas, the encourager, who stood up for the suffering saints of the early church. Please pray for me, as I pray for others.’
