This pastoral letter was sent by email to clergy and lay people of the Diocese on 11 May 2023
Dear Friends and Colleagues,
Over recent weeks you may have seen news and social media coverage into the allegations against the Revd Canon Mike Pilavachi, the founder of Soul Survivor in Watford. Our formal statement on the matter is on the diocesan website.
Mike Pilavachi’s ministry has been extensive, and we appreciate that some of you may be feeling conflicted, upset, concerned, angry – or any number of emotions – by what you have read. We also acknowledge that these feelings may be exacerbated since we are unable to confirm or deny any speculation or rumours in the media due to the constraints of the ongoing investigation.
This letter to you, as clergy and lay people in this diocese, is to give assurance of our commitment to support anyone affected by this situation, particularly those who are coming forward with information. We are equally committed to the investigation, that it may be independent and fair to all parties.
In addition to the pastoral support we are able to offer, we also commend the following guidance and services:
- Safe Spaces helpline on 0300 303 1056 for you or anyone you are in contact with to talk to someone independently
- Responding Well (pdf): a guide co-produced with victims, survivors and safeguarding professionals from dioceses, cathedrals and parishes
- Counselling service for all clergy and/or spouses, civil partners and older children
If you have any information for this investigation please contact Jeremy Hirst at the Diocesan Safeguarding Team at safeguarding@stalbans.anglican.org or Ian Bowles, Anthony Clarke or Judith Renton at the National Safeguarding Team at safeguarding@churchofengland.org who will listen to what you have to say. All safeguarding concerns will be treated with the utmost sensitivity. Full information about safeguarding in St Albans is available on the diocesan website.
Finally, we ask that you hold everyone affected in your prayers. Please pray for those who have come forward with information and those thinking about doing so; for the worshipping congregation of Soul Survivor Watford; for the National Safeguarding Team, our own Diocesan Safeguarding Team and their investigation; and for everyone for whom this situation is causing discomfort or distress.
In Psalm 46 we read ‘God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth should change, though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea’. Please pray for us as we pray for you, that we may continue to hold to our God of certainty, in the midst of the uncertainty we are currently experiencing.
+Alan, +Richard and +Jane