Soul Survivor Founder Accused of Spiritual Abuse by Church of England Review

Founder of Soul Survivor, Mike Pilavachi, has been accused of spiritual abuse by a Church of England review. The review, led by Fiona Scolding KC, was prompted by allegations of abuse made against Pilavachi earlier this year. The investigation concluded that Pilavachi had exhibited an abuse of power and used his spiritual authority to control individuals, leading to inappropriate relationships and physical encounters. The review substantiated safeguarding concerns related to Pilavachi’s leadership and ministry over a span of 40 years, both before and after his ordination in 2012. The Church of England has commissioned an independent review to be conducted by Scolding, with the full report to be published upon completion. Pilavachi has been suspended from Soul Survivor Watford since May and has resigned from his positions within the church. The Soul Survivor movement, established by Pilavachi, has offshoots in multiple countries and has converted thousands of people to the Christian faith. The Church of England’s National Safeguarding Team has taken out a complaint against Pilavachi under the Clergy Discipline Measure, an internal church disciplinary mechanism. The investigation has been criticized for its lack of independence, and victims have expressed disappointment that Pilavachi will face no direct consequences for his actions.