Soul Survivor launches independent review following Mike Pilavachi safeguarding investigation

Soul Survivor, the church formerly led by Mike Pilavachi, has announced an independent review into its culture and practices. 

The review will be led by Fiona Scolding KC and examine the Watford-based church's culture and practices in relation to safeguarding allegations that were made against Pilavachi earlier this year. 

Announcing the launch of the review on Tuesday, Soul Survivor said it was committed to publishing the findings in full and learning from any past mistakes.

It is expected that a final report will be published in spring 2024. 

"We are keen that Fiona is given the time and information to be able to conduct a thorough and meaningful review. We are committed to publishing the report in full and implementing the recommendations," it said.

"We recognise that this continues to be an extremely painful process, particularly for those who were subject to Mike's abuse.

"Our hope is that this review demonstrates our unwavering commitment to learning from the mistakes of the past and can go some way to ensuring those experiences are not repeated." 

A safeguarding investigation conducted by the Church of England's National Safeguarding Team and Diocese of St Albans concluded in September. 

It was launched after claims of inappropriate behaviour were reported in The Telegraph. The report said that safeguarding concerns about Pilavachi were substantiated

"It was concluded that he used his spiritual authority to control people and that his coercive and controlling behaviour led to inappropriate relationships, the physical wrestling of youths and massaging of young male interns," the Church of England said.

Soul Survivor is inviting anyone with information relevant to the independent review being led by Fiona Scolding KC to contact her team at soulsurvivor@landmarkchambers.co.uk

News
In memory of an Anglican canon who loved Jews
In memory of an Anglican canon who loved Jews

Jewish academic and Hebrew scholar Irene Lancaster remembers her dear friend and Broughton Park Jewish Christian Dialogue Group co-founder, Canon Andrew Shanks.

Exeter Cathedral service to celebrate Britain's fishermen and women
Exeter Cathedral service to celebrate Britain's fishermen and women

Britain's fishing industry will come together in Exeter next month for the country's first National Harvest of the Sea.

Most practising Christians are evangelical, study finds
Most practising Christians are evangelical, study finds

Evangelicals are “younger, more ethnically diverse, and more likely to be male than the wider population”, according to the 28-page report published by the Evangelical Alliance UK. 

Book of writings by Pope Leo XIV published
Book of writings by Pope Leo XIV published

The current pope had no published writings prior to his election.