In September the internal Church 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 under HR processes over the handling of allegations.
In a statement made today to the congregation of Soul Survivor Watford, Andy acknowledged and apologised for the three occasions on which his safeguarding practice “fell short” of expected standards and the impact this had on the victims and survivors of Mike Pilavachi’s abuse. In his statement, Andy announced that he will not be returning to his role of Senior Pastor of Soul Survivor Watford.
Following a referral under the Church of England’s Clergy Disciplinary Measure and an Independent Safeguarding Risk Assessment, the Revd Andy Croft is now authorised to return to active ministry, with the support of the Bishop of St Albans and senior leadership of the Diocese of St Albans. He has now also completed additional safeguarding training.
The Bishop of St Albans, the Rt Revd Dr Alan Smith, said:
“I would like to thank Andy for his cooperation with the safeguarding investigation into the complaints against Mike Pilavachi and the following disciplinary processes regarding his own handling of safeguarding disclosures at Soul Survivor Watford. We are aware of the effect this had on everyone involved, particularly the victims and survivors and the courage they have shown in coming forward. We understand and fully support Andy’s decision to move on from his role as Soul Survivor and will continue to support him as he discerns where God is calling him to next.”
The Revd Jon Stevens will continue to lead Soul Survivor in the interim, with support from the Revd Canon Tim Lomax as Bishop’s Visitor.
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 Diocese’s and National Safeguarding Team’s investigation.
Support and contact
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. Please contact safeguarding@stalbans.anglican.org or safeguarding@churchofengland.org.
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.