Mike Pilavachi investigated over 'non-recent safeguarding concerns'

Mike Pilavachi founded Soul Survivor in 1993. Soul Survivor/Facebook

An investigation is being carried out into "non-recent safeguarding concerns" relating to Soul Survivor founder Mike Pilavachi. 

The "difficult news" of the investigation was shared in two statements read out during the services at Soul Survivor Watford on Sunday. 

Pilavachi has agreed to step back from all ministry while the investigation is carried out. 

The statements stressed that it was not a criminal investigation. 

"We would like to stress that the police are not involved; this is not a criminal investigation and Mike has not been suspended. It is also not currently a clergy disciplinary matter," the first of the statements said. 

It continued, "We really appreciate your prayers for all those involved at this very difficult time and we do ask, for the sake of all those involved, that you do not speculate or discuss this more widely, including on social media while the process runs its course. This is to be fair to everyone involved."

Soul Survivor said it was working closely with the Diocese of St Albans and that the investigation was being carried out by the Church of England according to the House of Bishops guidelines. 

No date was given for the conclusion of the investigation. 

Rev Andy Croft, Senior Pastor of Soul Survivor Watford, has stepped back from his role as chair of the church's trustees while the investigation is carried out "due to his close personal relationship with Mike". 

Acting chair David Mitchell told the congregation that the concerns "currently relate to matters which occurred a considerable time ago". 

"Nothing should be inferred from Mike stepping back; this is perfectly normal following the start of an investigation that has not reached a conclusion," he said.

"We mutually agreed this was the best step because of the importance of correct procedures being followed." 

He ended, "We understand this may be very difficult information to absorb," before adding, "We are going to keep our focus on Jesus and what he is calling us to do."

Anyone with safeguarding concerns relating to these statements 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
Over 320,000 people sign petition opposing Macron's '21st century mark' on Notre-Dame
Over 320,000 people sign petition opposing Macron's '21st century mark' on Notre-Dame

Over 323,000 people have signed a petition in opposition to new stained-glass window designs for Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris.

Nicki Minaj says she has rekindled her relationship with God
Nicki Minaj says she has rekindled her relationship with God

Rapper Nicki Minaj opened up about her recently reignited relationship with God and what inspired her to speak out for persecuted Christians, suggesting that her rise in the music industry made it more challenging to maintain the spirituality of her youth. 

Legal action launched challenge to civil service participation in LGBT Pride events
Legal action launched challenge to civil service participation in LGBT Pride events

The Christian Institute has initiated legal proceedings against Keir Starmer in a bid to end civil service participation in controversial Pride marches. 

National Lottery Heritage Fund awards £7.3m to historic churches
National Lottery Heritage Fund awards £7.3m to historic churches

The National Lottery Heritage Fund has awarded more than £7.3 million to help maintain four historic churches.