All spiritual abuse articles
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Interviews
New Wine trustee Bishop Jill Duff: ‘I’m sad Mike Pilavachi hasn’t apologised’
An independent review into the links between Mike Pilavachi and New Wine has found that senior leaders at New Wine failed to ensure that Pilavachi was fit for youth ministry. Premier’s Kelly Valencia speaks to Rt Rev Jill Duff, Bishop of Lancaster and chair of trustees of New Wine, about the findings
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Real Life
‘My husband abused me. The church told me to forgive him’
Jill was told by church leaders to “forgive” her abusive husband. She explains why such advice amounted to spiritual abuse
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News Analysis
‘It’s just Gerald being Gerald’ – safeguarding inquiry into Pioneer founder concludes
Gerald Coates, the founder of a network of charismatic churches, has been found to have engaged in behaviour with under 18s that was inappropriate, according to a recent safeguarding review. Here’s what we know so far
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Interviews
‘There was a lot of psychological bullying’. Matt and Beth Redman on Mike Pilavachi abuse
Matt and Beth Redman’s new film Let There Be Light explores the emotional abuse the couple experienced at the hands of Soul Survivor’s Mike Pilavachi. They spoke to Megan Cornwell about why they made it, and what they hope will change in the Church
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Regular Columnists
Are you in a cult?
Questions are healthy. If you’re in an environment where voicing doubts is forbidden, then watch out, says Rend Collective’s Chris Llewellyn. You could be in a cult
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Opinion
'I'm still healing from what happened at Soul Survivor'
When Kye* joined the staff team at Soul Survivor, he was a passionate believer in the ministry's values and mission. But his early optimism was soon dented by what he calls a "culture of control" overseen by the church's leader, Mike Pilavachi. Ahead of the release of Premier Christianity's new investigative podcast series, 'Soul Survivors', Kye shares his own story
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News Analysis
Investigation finds Mike Pilavachi 'used spiritual authority to control people'. What happens now?
The Church of England’s National Safeguarding Team has said Mike Pilavachi used his spiritual authority to “control” people, and this led to inappropriate relationships, including “massaging of young male interns”. But questions remain, and more investigations are set to take place. Megan Cornwell reports on what’s likely to happen next
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News Analysis
Explainer: What is spiritual abuse?
In light of recent allegations of spiritual abuse at Soul Survivor Watford and the church formerly known as Anaheim Vineyard, Dr Selina Stone explains what spiritual abuse is and how to identify it in our communities
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Magazine Features
I used to be Ravi Zacharias’ spokesperson. Here’s what I’ve learned about complicity and corruption
Ruth Malhotra was working as Ravi Zacharias’ spokesperson when abuse allegations were first made against the apologist. The revelations began a journey that would take her from spokesperson to whistleblower to advocate
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Magazine Features
Is complementarian theology abusive?
In the wake of abuse scandals and the #MeToo movement, Megan Cornwell asks: is it time for Christians to re-evaluate Church teaching on gender roles?
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Opinion
Triggered by scripture? This version of the Bible could help you
While supporting survivors of abuse, pastor Mike Leake found Eugene Peterson’s The Message translation of the Bible instrumental in their healing journey
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Testimonies
I spent my childhood in a cult and went to prison for dealing drugs. But now I have freedom in Christ
Don't miss The Tattooed Saint's amazing testimony