Soul Survivor launches independent review following Mike Pilavachi safeguarding investigation

Soul Survivor founder Mike Pilavachi (Photo: Soul Survivor)

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
Rwanda’s president on the defensive over church closures
Rwanda’s president on the defensive over church closures

Rwandan President Paul Kagame defended the government's forced closure of Evangelical churches, accusing them of being a “den of bandits” led by deceptive relics of colonialism. 

We are the story still being written
We are the story still being written

The story of Christ continues in the lives of those who take up His calling.

Christians harassed, attacked all over India at Christmas
Christians harassed, attacked all over India at Christmas

International Christian Concern reported more than 80 incidents in India, some of them violent, over Christmas.

Christian killings in Nigeria could double in 2026 if extremist threat is not dealt with - report
Christian killings in Nigeria could double in 2026 if extremist threat is not dealt with - report

Already more Christians are killed for their faith in Nigeria than all other countries combined.