A Watford-born Grammy-winning musician has released a documentary speaking up for survivors of abuse at the hands of a Watford pastor.

Christian worship leader and singer-songwriter Matt Redman, who was born in Watford and raised in Chorleywood, has posted Let There Be Light to his YouTube page.

In the video, he talks about his own experiences with Mike Pilavachi, former pastor at and founder of the Greycaine Road church Soul Survivor Watford. It also features the accounts of experts, as well as other survivors, in order to discuss how cultures can develop that allow abuse and safeguarding lessons the Church can learn.

The documentary concludes by highlighting that "at the time of release Mike Pilavachi still holds an MBE for services to young people and has not been subject to significant sanctions by the Church".

A Church of England investigation that concluded last year found that safeguarding concerns spanning a 40-year period "from his time as a youth leader through to the current day" were substantiated.

It was found that he used his “spiritual authority” to control people and his “coercive and controlling behaviour” led to “inappropriate relationships, the physical wrestling of youths, and massaging of young male interns”.

“This is a story that needed to be told," Matt Redman said.

“Close to 150 people spoke to the initial investigation into Mike Pilavachi’s conduct and that report substantiated claims of physical, psychological, and spiritual abuse.

“For me, this is also a personal story. From the age of 13 I experienced that mistreatment first-hand - and it still affects me to this day.

“But we didn’t make this documentary to cast stones - instead, we want to bring light and hope to the situation, as well as to help the Church learn from what we and others have experienced.”

After the National Safeguarding Team brought a complaint under the Clergy Discipline Measure, it was concluded that no further action would be taken on the main allegations, but Mr Pilavachi was given a written warning in accordance with the Clergy Discipline Measure Code of Practice and was issued with advice.

Watford Observer: Rev Canon Mike Pilavachi.Rev Canon Mike Pilavachi. (Image: Soul Survivor)

The Church of England has described Let There Be Light as “a very powerful account” and commended survivors on their bravery in coming forward.

On the release of the documentary, the Church of England re-shared a statement made by lead safeguarding bishop Joanne Grenfell and national safeguarding director Alexander Kubeyinje after the decision to take no further action.

The statement added: "Neither the behaviour described in the Mike Pilavachi investigation, nor the culture that permitted it to take place and continue, is acceptable in a church setting.

“We all need to take responsibility for creating a healthy culture where abuse is seen and prevented, and where power is held with humility and accountability.

“If our disciplinary processes are not robust enough to hold to account those who harm others, then they must change, in order to signal to the wider world that abuse in any form will not be tolerated.”

They apologised to victims and acknowledged that the outcome of the process had upset survivors.