The Forgotten Victims: How Mike Pilavachi and Soul Survivor chose silence over justice

As the media spotlight dims on the scandal surrounding Mike Pilavachi, a troubling narrative emerges - one where the perpetrator retreats into the shadows, possibly seeking solace abroad, while his victims are left to grapple with the aftermath of his abuses. This scenario is not just unjust; it is a blatant abdication of responsibility by both Pilavachi and the institution that enabled him.

An independent review led by Fiona Scolding KC revealed that Pilavachi’s “spiritual celebrity” status allowed him to engage in manipulative and abusive behaviours, including massaging and wrestling with young male interns under the guise of mentorship. These actions, spanning decades, inflicted deep psychological harm on those who trusted him as a spiritual leader.

Yet, in the wake of these revelations, Pilavachi’s silence is deafening. Reports suggest he has retreated from public life, possibly seeking refuge abroad, leaving his victims to navigate their trauma without the closure that comes from genuine accountability. This evasion is not just cowardly; it is a further betrayal of those he harmed.

Soul Survivor: Complicit Then, Complicit Now

Equally culpable is Soul Survivor, the organisation that allowed Pilavachi’s abuses to flourish. The same review highlighted a “wholesale failure of organisational culture” within Soul Survivor, where staff feared the consequences of raising concerns, and trustees did “little to nothing” when informed. Despite issuing apologies and commissioning reviews, the tangible support for victims remains conspicuously absent.

The Church of England’s National Safeguarding Team concluded that Pilavachi’s conduct involved “coercive and controlling behaviour” leading to inappropriate relationships and physical interactions with young male interns. While the Church has expressed sorrow and acknowledged the courage of those who came forward, expressions of regret are hollow without concrete actions to support survivors and prevent future abuses.

The broader evangelical community must also reflect on its role in elevating charismatic leaders without sufficient oversight. The recent warning issued to New Wine about the dangers of promoting “gifted” leaders without discernment underscores the systemic issues at play. When institutions prioritise talent and success over integrity and accountability, they create environments where abuse can thrive.

Soul Survivor - It’s Time to Answer Some Questions

It is imperative that both Mike Pilavachi and Soul Survivor take unequivocal steps to address the harm caused. Pilavachi must come out of hiding, confront the allegations, and engage directly with those he has wronged. Soul Survivor must move beyond perfunctory apologies and implement robust support systems for survivors, ensuring they are not left to “fend for themselves” in the aftermath.

So, Soul Survivor, let’s have some answers. If you have any integrity left, respond to these questions:

• Where is Mike Pilavachi? Are you aware of his whereabouts? Is he living abroad in comfortable “retirement” while his victims struggle with the trauma he inflicted?

• What direct support are you offering his victims? Beyond empty apologies, have you reached out? Have you funded therapy? Have you created a proper support network?

• Who is taking responsibility? The report made it clear that there was a culture of complicity at Soul Survivor. Have any senior figures resigned, or are they still in leadership elsewhere?

• Why do you continue to act as if Pilavachi never existed? Soul Survivor flourished under his leadership, he was your figurehead, your celebrity pastor. Now that his abuse has come to light, why the sudden amnesia?

• How can anyone trust your safeguarding now? You claim to have reformed, but why should survivors - or anyone else - believe that Soul Survivor is now a safe space?

A Call to Action: No More Silence, No More Evasion

The time for silence and inaction is over. Justice demands more than words, it requires courage, accountability, and a steadfast commitment to those who have suffered.

Mike Pilavachi, come forward and face those you have harmed.

Soul Survivor, stop burying your head in the sand and do right by the people you abandoned.

This story isn’t over. The victims aren’t forgetting. And neither are we.