The Church of England has confirmed it is continuing to investigate “a number of” safeguarding concerns relating to a Watford pastor.
A new statement has been released today (April 19) after Rev Canon Mike Pilavachi stepped back from all ministry while an investigation is carried out following a serious incident report being submitted by Soul Survivor on March 30.
Canon Pilavachi set up the Soul Survivor Christian youth festival and is the associate pastor for Soul Survivor Watford, in Greycaine Road.
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A joint statement from the Church of England National Safeguarding Team, the St Albans Diocese, and the Soul Survivor Watford trustees was read out at a service on April 2.
It explained that the investigation is being conducted independently from Soul Survivor Watford, and it is unclear when it will conclude.
Today's statement said that “the National Safeguarding Team and the Diocese of St Albans continue to investigate a number of non-recent safeguarding concerns relating to Mike Pilavachi”.
“The Church of England’s safeguarding investigation, being carried out according to House of Bishops’ guidance is fully supported by Soul Survivor Watford but is being conducted independently of them by safeguarding professionals from the NST and diocese,” it added.
“If you would like to speak to anyone connected to this investigation or have been affected please be assured that any concerns raised will be treated with the utmost sensitivity and support / access to counselling is available.
“As we have said before support is being offered to all those involved.”
The Church of England encouraged anyone affected by the news who wants to speak to someone independently to call Safe Spaces on 0300 303 1056.
Anyone with safeguarding concerns can contact the Diocesan Safeguarding Team at safeguarding@stalbans.anglican.org or the National Safeguarding Team at safeguarding@churchofengland.org.
The original statement emphasised that Mr Pilavachi is not under criminal investigation, has not been suspended, and the concerns currently relate to matters which occurred a considerable time ago.
A termination of appointment of Michael Pilavachi as a director of Soul Survivor was filed on Companies House on April 4.
Soul Survivor Watford's day-to-day activities will continue to run but it has confirmed that it has paused its events.
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