Two pastors in Watford suspended over fresh safeguarding concerns
It follows the founder of Soul Survivor becoming the subject of a major investigation
Just weeks after the founder of Soul Survivor in Watford became the subject of a major investigation - two pastors have now been suspended.
Mike Pilavachi is accused of massaging and wrestling with young people and bullying - but he's not spoken publicly about the allegations.
The allegations involve a church which created the major summer festival attended by hundreds of thousands of young people - until it ended in 2019.
It's now emerged Soul Survivor's senior pastor Andy Croft, and assistant pastor, Ali Martin are also facing action.
They're being investigated over claims complaints about Mr Pilavachi were mishandled before the Church of England's formal inquiry began.
A replacement leader's now in place - and officials are continuing to urge victims to come forward.
A statement from the Soul Survivor Watford Trustees
After receiving new information from the National Safeguarding Team (NST) investigation into Mike Pilavachi, the non-staff Trustees of Soul Survivor Watford have decided to suspend two members of staff under HR processes: Senior Pastor, Andy Croft and Assistant Pastor, Ali Martin. The information submitted to the investigation relates to concerns over the handling of allegations that were raised before the NST investigation began.
While the investigation continues, the Trustees have asked Rev. Jon Stevens (Executive Pastor) to take on the interim leadership of Soul Survivor Watford, with senior support from Rev. Canon Tim Lomax (Bishop’s Visitor).
We are thankful to all those who have proactively shared their concerns with the NST and recognise that each of them has shown great courage in sharing their experiences.
If you would like to speak to anyone regarding this investigation, please be assured that any concerns raised will be treated with the utmost sensitivity and appropriate support can be given. Please contact Jeremy Hirst at the Diocesan Safeguarding Team at safeguarding@stalbans.anglican.org or Judith Renton, Ian Bowles or Anthony Clarke at the National Safeguarding Team at safeguarding@churchofengland.org who will listen to what you have to say.