Christian Children's Fund Drops 'Christian' from Name | Christianity Today

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Christianity Today, May (Web-only), 2009

Christian Children's Fund Drops 'Christian' from Name

The organization hopes the new name will broaden its reach.

Adelle M. Banks, Religion News Service | posted 5/15/2009 10:15AM

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Christian Children's Fund, an organization that helps needy children across the globe, has decided to change its name to ChildFund International as part of its plan to broaden its outreach.

"We are now part of an alliance of 12 organizations around the world who have the same goal of working to help deprived children in developing countries," said Anne Lynam Goddard, president and CEO of the Richmond, Va.-based charity. "All members of the alliance are taking on the same name, ChildFund."

Goddard acknowledged that "some people are concerned about the name change." But she said some supporters who have phoned and e-mailed the charity have welcomed the new name, saying it is more inclusive.

The charity was founded in 1938 by a Presbyterian minister and originally called China's Children Fund. One of the first organizations to offer "sponsorships" of individual children, it changed its name to Christian Children's Fund when it broadened its work beyond China. The new name change will take effect on July 1.

Goddard said CCF had not offered Christian education in its programs since the 1970s.

MinistryWatch.com, a watchdog organization, sent out a "donor alert" in 2004, warning that Christian donors should reconsider giving to CCF because its use of "Christian" in its name was "misleading."

Goddard said the watchdog's concern did not prompt the name change, which had been long considered before a board decision on April 21.

"We have been thinking about this for a while, but not as long as five years," he said. "It does indicate that the name currently is confusing to people."

Related Elsewhere:

Christianity Today wrote about when the Christian Children's Fund was probed. CT also has more articles on missions & ministry.

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May (Web-only) 2009, Vol. 53

Comments (10)

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Displaying 1–5 of 10 comments

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Lawrence B

May 26, 2009 10:33am

I appreciate Jeff's frustration. However, CCF cannot be the only organization who supports poor kids around the world. If I have been called upon to support poor kids around the world, then poor kids I must support. But Jeff is not entitled to tell me to support a kid through CCF if I don't believe in their organization. While I certainly don't need his approval, would Jeff be okay if I were to pull out of sponsoring a child through CCF and move my sponsorship to an organization that also sponsors children in similar situations, yet isn't embarrassed to have it's name contain "Christian?" Have I lost my Christian witness because I haven't supported the organization he likes?

Jesus Christ

May 25, 2009 11:39pm

I just think that like so many in the world today they are ashamed of my name and the faith based on me.Why are so many so apologetic over the name of Jesus Christ? Evil is alive and it is corrupting even those who think they are christians.Diversity and inclusiveness are just strategies to destroy belief in Jesus the Christ.Good luck to you all. JC

Anonymous

May 25, 2009 3:48pm

I am comforted by this article in knowing I am not the only one concerned, yet still perplexed at what to do. I have been a sponser with their organization for almost 30 years. I called CCF upon getting their Board of Directors letter of intent. The gentleman I spoke with just reiterated what was in the letter. I sent a certified letter to the Board asking that my child now be transferred to a faith based organization as per our original agreement. I received no response. I sent a letter to the CEO advising her of my certified letter and that I am still awaiting a response and have heard nothing. If anyone has any ideas, comments, advice - please let me know. Thank you, Patti

Morgan

May 20, 2009 4:13pm

3 stars. They deny Christ so they can collect more money to "help the children". Of course on the other hand the article states: "... CCF had not offered Christian education in its programs since the 1970s." So it seems as if they are not doing this charity in Christ's name - guess they may as well drop the allusion to Christianity.

Jeff

May 19, 2009 4:01pm

I don't think I can put to words just how sick you people make me. I am an atheist, and from reading this and seeing people pull out of the former CCF just because of this name change I am very proud of it. I support one of these kids and I don't tell the world about it to bolster how great I am, but let us get hypothetical for a moment... even if I did do that, then at least this poor kid in Sierra Leone that I support would be getting some help no matter what the motivation. Any "christian" pulling out of supporting these kids based on this change would be more deserving to go to hell than I ever would even though I don't believe in it. Many of you have shown your true colors with this, I just hope that you all get called out for it in the popular media. If Jesus did exist, he would be God Damned ashamed of all of you, but if he somehow supported leaving these kids stranded just because of a name he is ABSOLUTELY no moral compass for me.

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