Latest Updates
23rd November 2023
Update regarding Rev. Andy Croft
The Bishop of St Albans has been advised that the Rev. Andy Croft, Soul Survivor Watford Senior Pastor, is able to return to ministry, following an investigation of his safeguarding practices as outlined in House of Bishops guidance which included an independent risk assessment. Whilst Andy will return to ministry in due course, after much consideration, he has taken the decision to leave Soul Survivor Watford.
In September the internal Church of England investigation by the National Safeguarding Team and Diocese of St Albans concluded that concerns against Mike Pilavachi, about an abuse of power relating to his ministry, were substantiated. During the investigation period Andy Croft was suspended by Soul Survivor Watford under HR processes over the handling of allegations prior to the NST investigation.
Andy has taken full responsibility for his errors and apologised unreservedly for any pain that has been caused. He has also completed additional safeguarding training to ensure his practice is of the highest standards in the future. Throughout this process Andy has shown humility, contrition, and a desire to learn from the mistakes of the past.
We want to acknowledge that Andy himself, as he says in his letter below, has been deeply impacted by some of Mike’s abusive behaviour over the years. While we were open to Andy returning to the team, it has become clear to all of us in this process that it would be healthier for Andy if he and the family were to start a new chapter elsewhere.
We are deeply grateful to Andy and Beth for the years of love, support, and leadership they have faithfully given to this church family and the wider Watford community. While we feel a sense of loss in their leaving, we know God will continue to use them as a family in the future and pray his richest blessings on them in this new season.
Andy has resigned his position as Senior Pastor with immediate effect and Rev. Jon Stevens will continue the interim leadership of Soul Survivor Watford with support from Rev. Canon Tim Lomax.
We recognise this season has been deeply painful, especially for all those who have been victims of Mike’s abuse. For those impacted, the journey of healing and restoration may be a long one, but we believe that in Jesus there is always hope.
A letter from Andy Croft
Dear Soul Survivor Watford,
As many of you will know I have been unable to be with you since June. The National Safeguarding Team and Diocese of St Albans’ investigation into my safeguarding practice has concluded. Now that it is appropriate, there are some things I would like to share.
Most importantly, I want to apologise for any way in which my actions have contributed to the pain others have experienced. I would also like to pay tribute to the courage shown by those who have shared their stories of Mike Pilavachi’s abuse. Along with many others, I have been profoundly shocked and saddened by the damage caused by Mike’s abuse over decades.
I first joined Soul Survivor as an intern in 2004 when I was 18. After leaving university I later joined the staff in 2008 and became joint Senior Pastor in 2016. The stories of victims that have now emerged and the work of the National Safeguarding Team have changed my perspective on much of what I have experienced from a young age. I need to acknowledge now that I myself have also been deeply impacted by aspects of Mike’s abusive behaviour.
In recent months my own failures relating to professional safeguarding practice have become apparent to me. The investigation found that my safeguarding practice fell short on three occasions. I have had to confront the reality that errors in my judgement may have allowed others to experience pain. This has troubled me deeply. As someone in leadership, it feels like a profound failure on my part, for which I sincerely apologise.
In the Church of England, clergy misconduct is assessed and addressed through a disciplinary complaints process. In my case, two of the three instances did not reach the threshold for a disciplinary complaint to be made. In the third instance, a disciplinary complaint was made but it has now been dismissed.
I am, however, committed to learning from my mistakes. I have undertaken further safeguarding training to ensure that my practice is of the highest standard. As part of the National Safeguarding process, I have also undergone an independent risk assessment which concluded that I do not present a safeguarding risk. As a result, the National Safeguarding Team, the Diocese of St Albans and the trustees of Soul Survivor Watford are all fully confident of my suitability to return to ministry. I am fully supportive of the independent review that Fiona Scolding KC has now launched.
After much soul searching and prayer and whilst I will be returning to ministry in the coming months, I do not intend to return to my role as the Senior Pastor of Soul Survivor Watford. This is despite constructive conversations with the trustees who were keen to explore ways in which I could return to the Soul Survivor Watford team. My family and I need to process much of what we have been through over these past years and we feel we can only do this by stepping away.
In the meantime, I am committed to supporting the church in the months ahead. Soul Survivor Watford is our home and our community and we intend to stay as part of the congregation whilst we discern what comes next. Beth and I have been so grateful for your love and support over the years. We have received so much good from the church since both arriving as teenagers and it was only with many tears that we decided it is right for us to begin a new chapter.
Now the investigation is concluded, I am very much looking forward to being with you all this coming Sunday.
With love,
Andy
21st November 2023
Launch of Independent Review
The trustees of Soul Survivor Watford, Soul Survivor and Soul61 have commissioned Fiona Scolding KC to lead a team to conduct an independent review following the conclusion of the National Safeguarding Team and Diocese of St Alban’s safeguarding investigation on the 6th September 2023 into Mike Pilavachi’s abuse over many years.
The independent review into the culture and practices of Soul Survivor as they relate to the allegations made concerning Mike Pilavachi is now underway and the terms of reference have been published here along with further information relating to the review.
We would invite anyone who has any information that they think would be relevant to the review to contact Fiona’s team directly at soulsurvivor@landmarkchambers.co.uk.
We are keen that Fiona is given the time and information to be able to conduct a thorough and meaningful review. We are committed to publishing the report in full and implementing the recommendations. We anticipate the report will be published in the spring of 2024.
We recognise that this continues to be an extremely painful process, particularly for those who were subject to Mike’s abuse. Our hope is that this review demonstrates our unwavering commitment to learning from the mistakes of the past and can go some way to ensuring those experiences are not repeated.
6th September 2023
Soul Survivor statement concerning the conclusion of the Church of England investigation into Mike Pilavachi
We have received the conclusions of the Church of England investigation conducted by the National Safeguarding Team, NST, and the diocese of St Albans, into safeguarding concerns relating to Mike Pilavachi over the past 40 years.
We are grateful to all those who have contributed to this process, who by coming forward have brought Mike’s abusive behaviour into the light. We are deeply sorry to all those people who have been victims of spiritual, emotional and psychological abuse, physical wrestling and massage under Mike’s leadership. There has been a systematic pattern of coercive and controlling behaviour. We are saddened that these behaviours happened in a context that should have provided safety and spiritual support. We are committed to learning lessons from what has happened and to put in place further practices and procedures that will seek to ensure this kind of behaviour does not happen in the future.
Now that the NST investigation has concluded, we have commissioned Fiona Scolding KC to lead a full and independent review. The terms of reference of the investigation will be published in the coming weeks and the report of Ms Scolding’s review will be published in full. The Trustees are committed to implementing her recommendations.
Senior Pastor Revd Andy Croft remains suspended under HR processes while the Church of England process, as outlined in the House of Bishops guidance, runs its course.
Safeguarding concerns raised about Assistant Pastor Ali Martin, who was also suspended, have not been substantiated and Ali’s suspension will therefore be lifted and she will be reintegrating back into her role over the coming weeks.
We are aware of the hurt many individuals have and continue to experience as a result of Mike’s abuse and are truly sorry for the part Soul Survivor has played. We have been working with the NST to provide counselling and advocacy support to the individuals they have identified as finding it most beneficial. We remain committed to ensuring our church is safe and welcoming for all.
To read the statement from the Church of England please click here. For press enquiries please contact us here.
11th July 2023
Statement concerning the resignation of Mike Pilavachi
In March 2023 Mike Pilavachi stepped back from his role at Soul Survivor Watford due to an investigation by the National Safeguarding Team (NST) and the St Albans Diocesan Safeguarding Team. He was subsequently formally suspended by the board of trustees as an employee in May 2023. Today Mike informed the trustees of his decision to resign as Associate Pastor, which will take immediate effect.
We have informed the NST of Mike’s resignation and they have assured us that the investigation will continue as planned until it reaches a conclusion.
We remain committed to seeking a just, truthful and transparent outcome to the investigation for all those who have bravely stepped forward to share their concerns and experiences with the NST and the St Albans Diocesan Safeguarding Team.
As trustees, we are committed to a robust and wide-ranging review of the culture, leadership and governance of Soul Survivor Watford with external, independent support. We know that this is an essential step in building a strong, healthy and supportive environment for anyone who attends or visits our church. More details of this review will be shared in due course.
We recognise that many people feel hurt and confused as they process all that has been reported in the media and shared on social media. It takes a great deal of strength to report abuse and we are grateful to all those who have come forward. We would encourage anyone who has concerns related to the investigation to report those to the NST on safeguarding@churchofengland.org and for other concerns to contact thirtyone:eight on 0303 003 1111, or the Safe Spaces helpline on 0300 303 1056. (More detailed contact details can be found below.)
David Mitchell on behalf of the Soul Survivor Watford Trustees
8th June 2023
Please click here to read a statement from the National Safeguarding Team and Diocese of St Albans which explains why the Bishop of St Albans has requested that Andy Croft voluntarily withdraw from any ministry until the investigation is concluded. Please see below for a statement from the Soul Survivor Watford Trustees.
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.
For other concerns, please contact thirtyone:eight on 0303 003 1111, or the Safe Spaces helpline on 0300 303 1056.
20th May 2023
Statement concerning the suspension of Mike Pilavachi
The trustees of Soul Survivor Watford have suspended Mike Pilavachi as an employee with immediate effect while the formal independent investigation conducted by the National Safeguarding Team (NST) and St Albans Diocesan Safeguarding Team continues. It has become clear that this more decisive action should have been made earlier and we have acted to correct this now.
When he stepped back from ministry in April, Mike resigned from the board of Soul Survivor Watford and all related charity boards.
We want to reiterate that we are especially aware of the responsibility we have towards those who reported their safeguarding concerns to the Church of England and of how much they are suffering. We regret this was not clear in our initial statement made on 2nd April and are sorry for the pain caused as a result.
We are continuing to cooperate fully with the investigation. We are assured that anyone affected will continue to be given the opportunity to contribute to the investigation and given the support they need. We are also committed to reviewing the culture of Soul Survivor Watford and are determined that lessons are learned to ensure a strong, healthy and supportive environment for anyone who calls this church their home.
We recognise that there are currently many people who are feeling hurt and confused. It takes a lot of courage to speak up and we would encourage anyone who has concerns related to the investigation to report those to the NST on safeguarding@churchofengland.org or the Diocesan Safeguarding Team on safeguarding@stalbans.anglican.org. For other concerns, please contact thirtyone:eight on 0303 003 1111, or the Safe Spaces helpline on 0300 303 1056. More detailed contact details can be found below.
For press enquiries please contact Gareth Russell by email or on 07967 468008.
2nd May 2023
Andy Croft read the following statement to the church on Sunday 30th April:
As most people will know by now, four weeks ago we told you that there was an independent national Church safeguarding investigation happening into Mike Pilavachi. It’s absolutely right, when allegations have been made, that there is an independent investigation, and it’s appropriate that Mike steps back. We want you to know that we are especially aware of how much those who have come forward have been affected and of how much they are suffering, as are all who are directly involved in this investigation. I want to say, on behalf of the leadership of the church, how much this grieves us.
I also want to acknowledge that for our church family, this is painful. The trustees and the staff of the church have been cooperating fully and completely with this investigation and will continue to do so. We strongly encourage you that if you know anything that you think might be relevant to share it with the national safeguarding team, all the contact details can be found below.
We cannot comment on an ongoing investigation, though we can say that more recent allegations have come to light. We want to underline our commitment to excellence in our present safeguarding practice and culture. We’ll continue to do all that we can to meet the high standards that we are aiming for, and to ensure that Soul Survivor is a safe place for all.
In the meantime, we understand how difficult this is for many of you, and as a pastoral team we are here to support you in any way that we can. We can also refer you to independent support if this has brought up difficult emotions, and these details are also available below.
CONTACT DETAILS
If you have any safeguarding concerns, 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. Please be assured that any safeguarding concerns raised will be treated with the utmost sensitivity.
If this news has raised concerns for you that are outside of the remit of this investigation, thirtyone:eight has an independent safeguarding helpline where someone will listen to what you have to say, and can provide compassionate and clear advice. They can be contacted on 0303 003 1111. They have written this blog which has some helpful content to consider. You can also contact the Safe Spaces helpline on 0300 303 1056 which is a free and independent support service for anyone who has been abused by someone in the Church or as a result of their relationship with the Church of England, the Catholic Church in England and Wales or the Church in Wales.
28th April 2023
We have amended the statements below to remove the words ‘non-recent’ as we were today informed by the independent team conducting the investigation that allegations about recent matters have come to light. Whilst it does not appear these recent allegations include physical contact they are no less significant because of that.
We appreciate that this is very difficult – especially for those who have come forward – and we would like to say again that the trustees and the staff of the church have been co-operating whole-heartedly with this investigation and they will continue to do so. We also continue to encourage those who have anything relevant to share to be in touch with the National Safeguarding Team or the diocesan team using the details below. For anyone impacted by these statements, you will also find details for thirtyone:eight and Safe Spaces.
19th April 2023
Please note: The below statements were edited on 26th April to include the name of a female caseworker for the National Safeguarding Team - Judith Renton.
Please see a statement below (in bold) that the National Safeguarding Team and the St Albans Diocesan Safeguarding Team have asked us to share. We would like to add that it is of the utmost importance that everyone knows that if they have information regarding this investigation we want them to come forward through the channels below. They will be listened to, their voices will be heard, and they will be given all the necessary support. Anything that needs to come into the light must come into the light.
We have been increasingly aware that news of this investigation has impacted people far beyond our congregation here in Watford. If this news has raised concerns for you that are outside of the remit of this investigation, thirtyone:eight has an independent safeguarding helpline where someone will listen to what you have to say, and can provide compassionate and clear advice. They can be contacted on 0303 003 1111. They have written this blog which has some helpful content to consider. There are also details supplied below for the Safe Spaces helpline, a free and independent support service for anyone who has been abused by someone in the Church or as a result of their relationship with the Church of England, the Catholic Church in England and Wales or the Church in Wales.
Further to the joint statement on April 2 the National Safeguarding Team and the Diocese of St Albans continue to investigate a number of safeguarding concerns relating to Mike Pilavachi.
The Church of England’s safeguarding investigation, being carried out according to House of Bishops’ Guidance is fully supported by Soul Survivor Watford but is being conducted independently of them by safeguarding professionals from the NST and diocese.
If you would like to speak to anyone connected to this investigation or have been affected please be assured that any concerns raised will be treated with the utmost sensitivity and support / access to counselling is available. As we have said before support is being offered to all those involved.
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. Again, please be assured that any safeguarding concerns raised will be treated with the utmost sensitivity.
If you or anyone you are in contact with are affected by this news and want to talk to someone independently, please call the Safe Spaces helpline on 0300 303 1056.
2nd April 2023
Please find below two statements that were read at our services today, followed by contact details for the safeguarding teams, David Mitchell (current Chair of Soul Survivor Watford trustees), and for press enquires.
Joint statement on behalf of the Church of England National Safeguarding Team, the St Albans Diocese, and the Soul Survivor Watford trustees.
We need to share some difficult news with you today.
Safeguarding concerns relating to Mike Pilavachi have been reported to the national Church and, working closely with the Diocese of St Albans, these are currently being looked into according to the Church of England House of Bishops guidelines. Soul Survivor Watford Trustees were informed this week and have since been working with the National Safeguarding Team and the diocese. 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 anymore while this process is carried out though we can assure you that support is being offered to all those involved.
The staff of the church have been given the information in this statement and are here to support you but please be aware they do not have further details and cannot comment on what is happening.
We really appreciate your prayers for all those involved at this very difficult time and we do ask, for the sake of all those involved, that you do not speculate or discuss this more widely, including on social media while the process runs its course. This is to be fair to everyone involved. At this stage we do not know when the investigation will conclude but the Trustees will keep the staff and wider church body updated as appropriate. In the meantime, please do be assured that on a day-to-day basis Soul Survivor Watford will continue to run, as usual led by Andy (Croft) and the team.
If you have any safeguarding concerns relating to this then 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. Please be assured that any safeguarding concerns raised will be treated with utmost sensitivity.
Statement from David Mitchell on behalf of the Soul Survivor Watford trustees
I am writing this as the acting chair of the trustees of Soul Survivor Watford.
This is usually Andy’s role but he has decided to step back due to his close personal relationship with Mike.
I would like to thank the Bishop for coming in person today to read out the joint statement. We are very grateful for the support we have received from him, the Diocese and the wider Church of England during this time.
I am a barrister by profession and have been involved with Soul Survivor Watford from the very beginning. In the late 1990s I left the church with my family and I moved to the Midlands for my work. We returned to Watford in the middle of lockdown and at the end of last year it was my privilege to become a trustee.
Whilst I cannot add to what has been said in the joint statement, I would like to underline the point that Mike is not under criminal investigation and has not been suspended.
Nothing should be inferred from Mike stepping back; this is perfectly normal following the start of an investigation that has not reached a conclusion. We mutually agreed this was the best step because of the importance of correct procedures being followed.
The investigation is being conducted by the Church of England and is – rightly – independent from Soul Survivor Watford and the trustees. We will of course assist in any way we can.
We understand this may be very difficult information to absorb. We will be emailing these statements to those in our church family and making them available on our church website.
I want to reassure you that whilst the staff of the church cannot comment further and do not have further details they are here to support and care for you. We are going to keep our focus on Jesus and what he is calling us to do.
Thank you for reading and for your prayers for all those involved in this process.
Contact details
If you have any safeguarding concerns relating to this then please contact Jeremy Hirst at the Diocesan Safeguarding Team at safeguarding@stalbans.anglican.org or Ian Bowles or Anthony Clarke at the National Safeguarding Team at safeguarding@churchofengland.org who will listen to what you have to say. Please be assured that any safeguarding concerns raised will be treated with utmost sensitivity.
You can email David Mitchell, Chair of Soul Survivor Watford trustees here (or by using dmitchell@soulsurvivorwatford.co.uk)
For press enquires please contact Gareth Russell by email here or call 07967 468008.