Watchdog Group Criticizes Charity

A charity watchdog organization has accused the Christian Children’s Fund, an international child-sponsorship group in Richmond, Va., of misleading donors, saying that despite its name the group is actually a secular organization.

In a “Donor Alert” sent by e-mail to about 2,500 subscribers and members of the news media, Wall Watchers, which evaluates Christian charities, said the fund’s “use of the word ‘Christian’ in its name and its aggressive marketing to Christians may be misleading many Christian donors” because the fund “does not consider sharing the Gospel as part of its mission.”

According to Howard Leonard, chief executive of Wall Watchers, in Matthews, N.C.: “It isn’t Christian in the way we look at it. If you’re going to be bringing help to these children, you should be bringing the Gospel.”

The watchdog group also posted its concerns on its Web site.

Toni Radler, a spokeswoman for the Christian Children’s Fund, said that while it is true the charity does not proselytize, the group was founded by a Presbyterian minister and is motivated by “Christian principles,” such as “love thy neighbor as thyself.”

She said the group is careful to explain its views to potential donors. “We clearly state on our Web site that we don’t evangelize, but serve children of all races and creeds,” she said.

Ms. Radler said no donor has contacted the charity about Wall Watchers’ criticism.