Mike Pilavachi, the former leader of Soul Survivor and Soul Survivor Watford received an *MBE in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours in 2019 in recognition of his work with young people.

I believe Mike Pilavachi should be stripped of his MBE following the outcome of the internal Church investigation into his conduct & behaviour.

The investigation conducted by the National Safeguarding Team, NST, and the diocese of St Albans into safeguarding concerns concluded that they are substantiated. These relate to conduct in his leadership and ministry, both before and after he was ordained in 2012, spanning 40 years from his time as a youth leader through to current day.

The overall substantiated concerns are described as an abuse of power relating to his ministry, and spiritual abuse; described in guidance as ‘a form of emotional and psychological abuse characterised by a systematic pattern of coercive and controlling behaviour in a religious context’. It was concluded that he used his spiritual authority to control people and that his coercive and controlling behaviour led to inappropriate relationships, the physical wrestling of youths and massaging of young male interns.

The well-known church leader resigned as director of the charity on 4th April 2023 and was suspended as an employee on 20th May 2023 following allegations of misconduct – both historic and recent.

As much as I don't want to stand as judge and jury in this matter I do think that honours given in good faith should be taken away when evidence suggests that those receiving them are no longer deserving of them.

*The MBE is awarded for an outstanding achievement or service to the community which has had a long-term, significant impact.