Independent review launched into links between New Wine and Mike Pilavachi

An independent review is to be carried out into whether there are any links between allegations against Soul Survivor founder Mike Pilavachi and New Wine. 

New Wine trustees have commissioned Fiona Scolding KC to conduct the review, which is able to include an audit into the character and extent of the connection between the evangelical church network and Pilavachi.

Bishop Jill Duff, chair of New Wine trustees, said the investigation was being launched to establish whether any allegations against Pilavachi concerned his conduct at New Wine events, and “to focus on what we will learn for the long run”.

“Many have been hurt by Mike Pilavachi’s behaviour,” she said.

“We are within the strategy of doing this and can report as soon as possible. In the meantime, I’d again urge anyone affected to hunt the support and care that is accessible.

“Our priority is to enable a secure space for survivors to return forward, be heard and be cared for.”

New Wine said it intended to publish Scolding’s findings in full.

Scolding, a number one safeguarding barrister, is already conducting a review into Soul Survivor however the two are separate and data won’t be shared between them, New Wine said. 

A separate investigation by the Church of England’s National Safeguarding Team (NST) and the Diocese of St Albans concluded earlier this yr. It found that Pilavachi’s conduct fell short “of that expected of a priest within the Church of England”. The investigation concerned a criticism about his verbal interactions with a vulnerable person.

Other allegations against Pilavachi have included inappropriate behaviour with young men while at Soul Survivor, including lengthy wrestling matches and oil massages. 

Anyone affected by the problems raised on this story can contact Safe Spaces without cost, confidential and independent support at safespaces@firstlight.org.uk