Charity Commission in contact with Soul Survivor about safeguarding concerns

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
European hate speech laws are ‘dangerous’, says politician prosecuted for Christian beliefs
European hate speech laws are ‘dangerous’, says politician prosecuted for Christian beliefs

At a time when “language has become a battlefield” and the meaning of words is being changed, Mrs Räsänen said that such laws were shutting down important debates. 

Is religion making a comeback among young Americans? Study urges caution
Is religion making a comeback among young Americans? Study urges caution

New research from Pew Research Center suggests that while there are encouraging signs of religious engagement among younger adults, the evidence of a broader resurgence remains inconclusive.

Calls for inquiry into Queensland assisted suicide system
Calls for inquiry into Queensland assisted suicide system

Despite the rise in deaths, the watering down of safeguards has been proposed.

Justin Welby says government reparations for slavery a ‘moral evil’
Justin Welby says government reparations for slavery a ‘moral evil’

Welby was supportive of Project Spire during his time as Archbishop of Canterbury.