Soul Survivor urges worshippers to pray for Mike Pilavachi and suspended pastors

Soul Survivor is urging Christians to “keep praying” for Mike Pilavachi and to send “lovely” cards to support its pastors suspended over allegations they failed to act on claims of his abuse.

Rev Canon Mike Pilavachi, 65, founded the Soul Survivor Watford Church in Hertfordshire, as well as famous summer festivals of the same name which ran for 26 years until 2019 and were attended by around 30,000 teenagers.

However, the gifted, loveable and celibate preacher – lauded as a man with “an amazing connection to the Holy Spirit’’ and “a direct dial to God” – was unmasked by a Telegraph investigation last month as victims and former Soul Survivor staff members came forward to speak out for the first time about his alleged abuse.

It is claimed that a number of young men were encouraged to receive full-body oil massages in their underwear in his bedroom, as well as vigorous wrestling matches that could last as long as 20 minutes at a time – sometimes in church.

They also claim that they suffered psychological torment and spiritual abuse as he would shower them with attention and promises of a prestigious life in ministry, travelling the world alongside him to exotic destinations on mission trips, or the chance to preach and play music on stage – only to be ignored and dropped.

As a result of the allegations, Rev Canon Pilavachi was 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. It is understood that more than 100 people have already come forward to accuse the Christian “cult” leader of abuse.

‘Toxic and sycophantic culture’

Earlier this month it also emerged that two pastors who stepped up to lead Soul Survivor Watford Church – Andy Croft, the son of the Bishop of Oxford the Rt Revd Dr Steven Croft, and Ali Martin, the church’s assistant pastor – were also suspended amid allegations that they failed to act on claims of abuse.

However, an email sent to the church’s congregants last week, and leaked to this newspaper, has revealed that Soul Survivor officials are encouraging cards and messages of support for the two suspended pastors, as well as continued prayers for “the Crofts, the Martins and for Mike”.

The email has prompted victims to accuse the church of “gaslighting” and “praying for the perpetrators” amid its “tone-deaf public displays of affection”.

Under the heading: ‘Family News, Andy & Ali’, the email, circulated to all congregants, states: “We’ve received a number of messages and cards for Andy and Ali at the office which is lovely – please do feel free to send them via us and please know that you are also able to be in contact with them directly too.

“Though Andy and Ali won’t be attending church during the investigation their families may attend on Sundays and at different events and we want to support them as much as possible. Let’s keep praying for the Crofts, the Martins and for Mike, as well as for all who have come forward as part of the investigation.”

In response, one victim said: “Where was this sort of support when it was needed by the victims who shared their experiences of abuse over the years?

“These tone-deaf public displays of affection towards those who failed in their duty of care not only minimise the consequences of their (in)actions but also diminish accountability whilst further ostracising those who felt compelled to leave the church because of its toxic and sycophantic culture.”

‘A just, truthful and transparent outcome’

Another added: “Soul Survivor doing what they do – gaslighting the 100 plus victims and ‘praying’ for the perpetrators.”

A spokesperson for Soul Survivor Watford said: “We’re really sorry for any hurt that this has caused those who have bravely come forward with information. We are balancing our pastoral responsibility for all involved in this difficult situation, in particular those who have proactively shared their concerns as part of the NST investigation, while also considering our responsibility for the Soul Survivor Watford community.

“We are committed to seeking a just, truthful and transparent outcome to this investigation. That is why we have suspended three members of our senior leadership team and will continue to do everything we can to support the investigation.”

A Church of England spokesperson said: “The investigation into allegations and concerns raised against Mike Pilavachi is being run jointly by the National Safeguarding Team and the Diocese of St Albans and is independent of Soul Survivor Watford. 

“We cannot comment on any details due to the ongoing nature of the investigation but if anyone has further information or would like support, please email [email protected].”