Surviving Soul Survivor: here’s what’s going on with the investigation into Mike Pilavachi’s conduct

Writer Sarah Molyneux-Hetherington recaps the evolving situation with the Church of England's investigation into Mike Pilavachi and explores why speaking out about can be so difficult.

It is important to start this article with a recognition that the news coming out about Rev Canon Mike Pilavachi will affect people in radically different but deeply emotional ways. Soul Survivor camps have had a huge impact on the faith journeys of many people, either positive or negative. Even if you never attended the camps or the church, their influence was felt in almost every area of the church in the UK.

We must be kind and gracious with one another. For those who had concerns before the latest news, there may be a temptation to feel vindicated, to chime in with "it always felt off". For others for whom Soul Survivor held a treasured place in their spiritual journey, the allegations may have blindsided them and there may be a temptation to reject the allegations out of hand. Or this may have triggered a painful process of considering their experience of Pilavachi anew. Some people may have direct experience of the behaviour being disclosed and to hear these stories being discussed openly in a public forum will bring a particular kind of pain.