By Tim Wyatt2023-05-12T10:14:00
Media coverage of Mike Pilavachi and Soul Survivor has lumped serious safeguarding allegations together with vague and nonsensical claims about the festival in general. It distracts from the allegations and does any potential victims no favours, says Tim Wyatt
The news that the founder of Soul Survivor, Mike Pilavachi, is being investigated over safeguarding concerns has detonated like a bomb among evangelical Christians in Britain. The possibility that one of the most admired and influential church leaders in this country abused his position, and the young people he served, has understandably caused huge anguish and soul-searching.
The allegations which have leaked out into the public domain via media reports are hugely concerning. Reports of semi-naked massages or prolonged wrestling matches with young adults involved in Soul Survivor’s gap year internship programme must be fully and independently investigated.
2023-09-07T08:35:00Z
The Church of England's National Safeguarding Team has released its initial findings into allegations against Mike Pilavachi
2023-05-04T14:57:00Z By Jacinta Read
Recent years have seen a number of prominent evangelical leaders fall from their pedestals. Jacinta Read says although such revelations have made her want to walk away from the church, she’s choosing to stay in the hope of rebuilding on more solid foundations
2021-10-22T10:48:00Z By Lee Jackson
It’s not just the world that has a professional speaker circuit, the Church does too. But in only hearing from the same high-profile leaders, we may be missing what God is doing, says Lee Jackson
2025-07-15T14:37:00Z By Natalie Williams
Some young people in England are living in an “almost-Dickensian level of poverty” according to the latest report from the children’s commissioner. It should break our hearts, just as it breaks God’s, says Natalie Williams
2025-07-15T08:42:00Z By Bashar Fawadleh
Last week, Jewish settlers set fire to an ancient church in Taybeh, the last remaining Christian-majority town in the West Bank. Father Bashar Fawadleh explains what it is like to live under the shadow of constant attacks and restrictions, and asks the Church to pray for peace and justice
2025-07-11T14:46:00Z By Neil O'Boyle
New research shows more young people are praying, attending church and open to faith. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, says Youth for Christ’s Neil O’Boyle. But the Church must engage with Gen Z and Gen Alpha on their terms
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