Allegations concern physical, emotional and spiritual abuse and some victims claim they do not trust the internal Church investigation
The Telegraph
By Gabriella Swerling, SOCIAL AND RELIGIOUS AFFAIRS EDITOR7 June 2023
More than 100 people have come forward to accuse the Christian “cult” leader Mike Pilavachi of abuse, the Telegraph can reveal.
Rev Canon Mike Pilavachi, 65, founded the Soul Survivor Watford church and its namesake youth festivals which ran from 1993 to 2019 and attracted tens of thousands of teenagers from around the world.
The vicar was first unmasked by this newspaper in April after being accused of giving “inappropriate massages” to young adults. Just weeks later, the Telegraph published interviews with victims and former staff members who spoke out for the first time detailing how he ran “a cult” in which a “conveyor belt” of attractive young men – usually around aged 18 to 21 – were encouraged to receive full-body oil massages on his bed, engage in vigorous wrestling matches and endure psychological torment and spiritual abuse.
Rev Canon Pilavachi is currently suspended from Soul Survivor Watford while the Church of England’s National Safeguarding Team (NST) and the Diocese of St Albans carry out an investigation into the allegations.
However, the scale of his alleged abuse can be revealed for the first time as it is understood that more than 100 people have come forward with information regarding the vicar and that the allegations are believed to concern physical, emotional and spiritual abuse.
Sources have also said that the complaints range from the 1980s to the present day.
Speaking on condition of anonymity, one victim, who has reported to the investigation, said: “The number of responses speaks poignantly of the depth and breadth of Mike’s influence. It also goes to show the extent of the hurt caused by his actions and the negligence of those around him.
“Mike’s ministry, which took him all over the world for decades, targeted young people during some of their most vulnerable and formative years. In doing so, he had a real impact on the short, medium and long term trajectory of their lives - no doubt felt today by many, including myself.
“It would be sad, but no surprise, if the numbers were far greater. There are people across the world who will most likely have no idea this investigation is happening - I hope they will become aware and feel able to share their stories, too.”
The Soul Survivor movement spawned offshoots in South Africa, Holland, Canada, New Zealand and the US. Paul Martin, who founded Soul Survivor USA in 2000, has said that its leaders in the UK were aware of “allegations of some sort about Mike’s relationship with young interns” as early as 2002.
Some victims have also spoken out claiming that they do not trust the internal Church investigation into Rev Canon Pilavachi led by the NST and the Diocese of St Albans. As a result, they released a statement through Richard Scorer, head of abuse law and public inquiries at the law firm Slater and Gordon, calling for a separate, independent investigation and warning: “The days when churches could plausibly investigate themselves and mark their own homework are long gone.”
A Church of England spokesman said: “We can confirm that the National Safeguarding Team/St Albans diocese investigation into Mike Pilavachi continues to receive reports, some with third hand information and others with direct experience.
“We are aware of the courage it takes to come forward and everyone involved continues to be offered support.”
A spokesman for Soul Survivor Watford added: “We are continuing to cooperate fully with the investigation. We are assured that anyone affected will continue to be given the opportunity to contribute to the investigation and given the support they need. We are also committed to reviewing the culture of Soul Survivor Watford and are determined that lessons are learned to ensure a strong, healthy and supportive environment for anyone who calls this church their home.
“We recognise that there are currently many people who are feeling hurt and confused. It takes a lot of courage to speak up and we would encourage anyone who has concerns related to the investigation to report those to the NST or the Diocesan Safeguarding Team.”
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