Anglican Mainstream, 29 June, 2026.
During the ‘Encourage’ gathering in London on June 20, 2026, Chris Sugden was invited by Colin Bloom, the Chief Executive of NEXCUS/Barnabas Aid International to interview him.
This edited ‘summary’ groups fragmented speech into coherent paragraphs, and presents the discussion in a readable interview format while preserving the substance of the exchange. The whole is available on request.
Chris Sugden: Mr Bloom, could you briefly tell me your story and explain how you became involved with Barnabas?
Colin Bloom: I was on holiday in April 2024 when I was contacted unexpectedly and asked whether I knew of Barnabas Aid. I was told the organisation was experiencing serious difficulties and needed someone to help oversee an independent investigation. At that stage, whistleblowing allegations had already been raised and the founders had agreed to step aside while an investigation took place. After prayer and consideration with my wife, I agreed to help, initially expecting the commitment to last about three months.
Chris Sugden: What was the situation you encountered?
Colin Bloom: There was significant turmoil within the organisation. Numerous whistleblowing allegations had been submitted, ranging from claims of financial misconduct and governance failures to concerns about workplace culture and safeguarding. It was clear that an independent process was required.
Chris Sugden: Who contacted you?
Colin Bloom: One of the international board members approached me. Shortly afterwards I met a number of senior figures connected with Barnabas and began assessing the situation.
Chris Sugden: Some have argued that the whistleblowing complaints were orchestrated. Do you consider that credible?
Colin Bloom: I have seen some evidence that staff may have been encouraged to use the whistleblowing process if they had concerns. However, I have seen no evidence that anyone was coerced into making false allegations or instructed to provide untrue information.
Chris Sugden: What happened once you returned to the United Kingdom?
Colin Bloom: Independent legal and forensic teams were appointed to investigate the allegations. As the work progressed, evidence emerged supporting many of the concerns raised. At the same time, separate concerns arose regarding other individuals. What began as a single investigation ultimately developed into several strands of inquiry.
Chris Sugden: Could these matters have been resolved through mediation?
Colin Bloom: Where allegations involve potential criminal conduct, safeguarding issues, or serious financial misconduct, the appropriate authorities must be informed. Mediation and reconciliation have their place, but they cannot replace legal and regulatory processes. The founders were invited on multiple occasions to participate in the investigations but chose not to do so.
Chris Sugden: Why has NEXCUS and Barnabas Aid International become so central to the organisation’s operations?
Colin Bloom: My view is that NEXCUS was created by the founders themselves as the coordinating body for the wider Barnabas family of ministries. The present structure did not emerge from nowhere; rather, it developed from arrangements that already existed within the network. Our objective has been to bring greater transparency and order to a very complex organisational structure.
Chris Sugden: The Charity Commission has recently taken action regarding BAUK. What is your response?
Colin Bloom: We welcome the appointment of an interim manager and look forward to working constructively with them. We believe this will help bring clarity and stability to the situation and assist the organisation in moving forward.
Chris Sugden: Questions have also been raised about the Moscrop Library and other resources. Why were changes made?
Colin Bloom: The decisions were driven by practical considerations relating to cost, storage, and usage. From our perspective, some resources were not being actively used, and difficult decisions had to be made. Any future use of those assets will ultimately be for the appropriate governing bodies to determine.
Chris Sugden: There are also legal challenges being discussed in South Africa regarding governance changes there. Are you concerned about those?
Colin Bloom: I am aware that various legal opinions have been circulated. However, I am not personally concerned because I do not believe I have acted unlawfully. If any authority wishes to investigate a matter, I am willing to cooperate fully.
Chris Sugden: Is there anything you would like to say in conclusion?
Colin Bloom: I believe much of the public debate has become highly polarised. My hope is that people will take a balanced view of events, allow the proper authorities to complete their work, and focus on the mission of supporting persecuted Christians around the world.
End.