Charity Commission in contact with Soul Survivor about safeguarding concerns

An investigation is currently being carried out into Soul Survivor founder Mike Pilavachi.

The Charity Commission has asked the Soul Survivor church for "additional information" about safeguarding concerns. 

Premier Christian News reports that the charity watchdog made the request after receiving a safeguarding serious incident report from the Watford-based church. 

The church announced earlier this month that an investigation was being conducted by the Church of England into "non-recent safeguarding concerns" relating to its founder, Mike Pilavachi. 

Pilavachi has stepped back from all ministry while the investigation is carried out.

A statement from the church trustees, released jointly with the Diocese of St Albans and Church of England National Safeguarding Team, said that it was not a criminal investigation or clergy disciplinary matter, and that Pilavachi has not been suspended. 

Acting chair of the trustees, David Mitchell, said in a separate statement that the concerns "currently relate to matters which occurred a considerable time ago".

He has asked for prayers while the investigation is being carried out.

Anyone with safeguarding concerns relating to events in this report can contact Jeremy Hirst at the Diocesan Safeguarding Team at safeguarding@stalbans.anglican.org or Ian Bowles or Anthony Clarke at the National Safeguarding Team at safeguarding@churchofengland.org.

News
Why I will still read Philip Yancey’s books
Why I will still read Philip Yancey’s books

Pastor Kelly Williams explains why he will continue to read - and recommend - Philip Yancey's books despite his admission of moral failure.

Syrians are 'tired' of war, says nun
Syrians are 'tired' of war, says nun

The civil war may be over, but the violence continues.

Churches join in day of prayer for Crans-Montana victims
Churches join in day of prayer for Crans-Montana victims

Prayers and church bell ringing will coincide with a memorial service.

Lincoln Cathedral seeks ancient secrets with full GPR scan
Lincoln Cathedral seeks ancient secrets with full GPR scan

Lincoln Cathedral has become part of a pioneering project to use ground-penetrating radar (GPR) to uncover the secret history of the site.