Pain after report on Mike Pilavachi

Churches and Christian organisations have spoken of their sadness and pain as the official report into well-known charismatic leader Mike Pilavachi said he displayed coercive and controlling behaviour at the church and had inappropriate relationships.

His actions included massaging young male interns and wrestling young men as he used his ‘spiritual authority to control people’.

The Church of England investigation was conducted by the National Safeguarding Team (NST) and the Diocese of St Albans. It concluded: ‘The overall substantiated concerns are described as an abuse of power relating to his ministry, and spiritual abuse; described as ‘a form of emotional and psychological abuse characterised by a systematic pattern of coercive and controlling behaviour in a religious context’.

Andy Croft, a Soul Survivor leader who was criticised for failing to act on the allegations about Pilavachi, said he was ‘very sorry.’ Hertfordshire Police said there was no ongoing investigation into Pilavachi.

Soul Survivor stated: ‘We are deeply sorry to all those people who have been victims of spiritual, emotional and psychological abuse, physical wrestling and massage under Mike’s leadership. There has been a systematic pattern of coercive and controlling behaviour. We are saddened that these behaviours happened in a context that should have provided safety and spiritual support.’

‘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.’

Gavin Calver commented: ‘The longevity and consistency of the accounts is heart-breaking and saddening, and like many of you I am left with uncomfortable questions as I wrestle through the conflicting realities of lives transformed by Jesus through Soul Survivor, paired simultaneously with the long-term effects of trauma and pain caused by abuse in the same space’.

Newfrontiers said: ‘Because Mike is someone who has spoken in various Newfrontiers contexts over many years, we want to communicate our deep sadness at the news, our confidence in the process, and our heartfelt concern for those who have bravely come forward. The church is called to be a place where people can find security, safety and care. The kind of behaviour detailed in the report should never be tolerated in the church, least of all by those in leadership’.

Relational Mission said: ‘Mike Pilavachi has been a friend to Relational Mission, so the report about him is deeply saddening to read. We realise how much courage it has taken for each individual who has spoken up. Their costly bravery has brought truth into the light. We continue to pray that those who have been harmed can find the help they need.

‘The report outlines serious and habitual patterns of sin, the impact of which are heightened by the seniority of Mike’s position. We soberly recognise the significant and harmful consequences to the body of Christ and in particular to the members of Soul Survivor church’.

The Bishop of St Albans, Alan Smith, said: ‘This has been a painful process for everyone involved, going back over years. I am sorry on behalf of the Church for the hurt caused and would like to acknowledge the courage of those who came forward to share their lived experience. I am aware there will be further contact with individuals about a more personalised response.’

Soul Survivor added: ‘Now that the NST investigation has concluded, we have commissioned Fiona Scolding KC to lead a full and independent review. The terms of reference of the investigation will be published in the coming weeks and the report of Ms Scolding’s review will be published in full. The Trustees are committed to implementing her recommendations’.

If you are affected by the issues in this story, please contact www.safespacesenglandandwales.org.uk or www.thirtyoneeight.org or Jeremy Hirst at the Diocesan Safeguarding Team at safeguarding@stalbans.anglican.org or Judith Renton, Ian Bowles or Anthony Clarke at the National Safeguarding Team at safeguarding@churchofengland.org