Christian youth festival founder who was once given an award by the Archbishop of Canterbury steps back from CofE role over claims of ‘inappropriate intimate relationships’ with young people
- Ministry bosses investigating ‘safeguarding’ complaints against Mike Pilavachi
- No claim that it is subject to ‘criminal investigation’ or ‘clergy disciplinary matter’
A Christian youth festival founder honoured with an MBE and an award by the Archbishop of Canterbury has stepped back from the Church of England amid claims he took part in ‘inappropriate massages’.
Ministry bosses said they are investigating the ‘safeguarding’ complaints made against the Rev Canon Mike Pilavachi, who established the Soul Survivor series of summer festivals.
The move was confirmed in a statement on Sunday, which was read to a congregation in Watford, where he is senior pastor.
The allegations relate to ‘non-recent’ matters and there is no suggestion that the situation was subject to a ‘criminal investigation’ or a ‘clergy disciplinary matter’.
Ministry bosses said they are investigating the ‘safeguarding’ complaints made against the Rev Canon Mike Pilavachi, who established the Soul Survivor series of summer festivals
However, Rev Canon Pilavachi is understood to have had ‘inappropriate intimate relationships’ with young people linked to the Soul61 scheme – a Christian gap year project which trains young adults as disciples.
The 65-year-old was made an MBE for services to young people in 2019 and is best known for hosting the Soul Survivor festival, which ran for more than a quarter of a century from 1993, with around 30,000 teenagers attending each summer.
Then the following year he was given an award by Archbishop Justin Welby at Lambeth Palace for ‘his outstanding contribution to evangelism and discipleship amongst young people in the United Kingdom’.
Rev Canon Pilavachi is understood to have had ‘inappropriate intimate relationships’ with young people linked to the Soul61 scheme – a Christian gap year project which trains young adults as disciples
The statement read to his congregation, and seen by the Telegraph, confirmed that ‘non-recent safeguarding concerns relating to Mike Pilavachi have been reported to the national Church’ and that the claims were being looked into according to the CofE’s House of Bishops guidelines.
The statement added: ‘It was mutually agreed with Mike that he would step back from all ministry, while this investigation is carried out. We would like to stress that the police are not involved; this is not a criminal investigation and Mike has not been suspended.
‘It is also not currently a clergy disciplinary matter.
‘We cannot say any more while this process is carried out, though we can assure you that support is being offered to all those involved.’
Rev Canon Pilavachi has been approached for comment.
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