A not-for-profit church agency has responded to the damming review into Chorleywood resident and disgraced reverend Mike Pilavachi MBE.
Mr Pilavachi is the founder of the Anglican church Soul Survivor Watford.
In September last year, a report led by Fiona Scolding KC concluded that “credible and consistent” evidence confirmed Mr Pilavachi had developed inappropriate close relationships with young men, exhibited controlling behaviour, and displayed poor safeguarding practices.
As well as substantiating reports against Mr Pilavachi, the report also concluded that several members were aware of his behaviour, and that there was “inadequate performance management and oversight from the trustees and the Church of England, and a failure to take action when matters became known”.
Last month, New Wine, who commissioned the investigation due to their significant links with Soul Survivor, responded to the report.
Signed by Jill Duff and Rich Johnson on behalf of New Wine England, the report states: “We are deeply sorry to all those who have suffered, and who are still suffering, from the harm they endured.
“We also recognise that an initial press statement by New Wine, when allegations first emerged, was inaccurate and underplayed the extent of the connections between New Wine and Soul Survivor.”
The statement also refers to Fiona Scolding KC’s recommendations and shares their action plan going forward, which includes “a safer recruitment procedure”, “a more robust and accessible system for complaints”, and “a governance review”.
New Wine have also said that they are “endeavouring to enable a culture where we lower the threshold of our feedback and welcome darkness coming to light”.
To read New Wine’s full response, please visit www.shorturl.at/IQFi0
Photo credit: Movement X
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