A statement from New Wine regarding the safeguarding investigation into Mike Pilavachi.
21 September 2023
Many have been hurt by Mike Pilavachi’s behaviour. As the new Chair of Trustees, I have asked for a full and independent review into the nature and extent of our relationship with Mike Pilavachi and Soul Survivor, to ascertain if there were allegations about his conduct at any New Wine events, and to highlight what we can learn for the future. We are in the process of doing this and will report as soon as possible. In the meantime, I would again urge anyone affected to seek the support and care that is available. Our priority throughout the NST investigation has been to enable a safe space for survivors to come forward, be heard and be cared for.
Bishop Jill Duff, Chair of New Wine Trustees
New Wine Statement – 15 September 2023
We published a statement on 13/9/23 in response to the National Safeguarding Team’s update on the investigation into Mike Pilavachi.
We fully recognise that this statement caused great pain, disappointment, and confusion. We deeply regret that the statement implied we were trying to minimise the relationship between New Wine and Mike Pilavachi.
We are profoundly sorry.
Our utmost priority is to cultivate a safe and nurturing environment where survivors’ voices are not only heard but cherished with love and utmost respect. We want anyone from our community and anywhere throughout the Church, to feel supported and safe in being heard.
If you have specific safeguarding concerns relating to this situation, we encourage you to contact the Church of England’s National Safeguarding team on safeguarding@churchofengland.org. If this has raised concerns for you which are outside of the remit of this investigation, you can speak to thirtyone:eight on 0303 003 1111 or the Safe Spaces helpline on 0300 303 1056.
Bishop Jill Duff, Chair of Trustees & Rich Johnson, National Leader, New Wine
Update – 13 September 2023
We are deeply troubled and disheartened by the recent developments surrounding the safeguarding investigation of Mike Pilavachi. The details that have come to light over the past six months have been shocking and deeply disappointing.
· Concerns substantiated in Mike Pilavachi investigation | The Church of England
· Latest Updates — Soul Survivor Watford
We want to express our sadness and empathy with the pain so many are feeling and recognise and commend the courage of the victims, those who have bravely shared their stories, and those seeking to make the church safer for all.
Mike was a leader in the youth ministry at New Wine from 1989 until he founded Soul Survivor in 1993. Both organisations have always operated as separate entities. Mike has made various appearances as a visiting speaker at New Wine, which has been our continued connection since 1993.
At New Wine, we are committed to being a safe place for all and continue to work for excellence in our safeguarding practices. We understand the importance of thoroughly reviewing our practices and implementing changes where needed. We have been clarifying and tightening our safeguarding procedures and training, will continue to do so, and are committed to learning and developing further. We seek to model humble and accountable leadership and are committed to helping church leaders in our network nurture safe communities of faith in which the hurting and abused can make disclosures, receive healing from Jesus and love, support and care from others. Any type of mistreatment, manipulation, or inappropriate conduct will not be accepted or tolerated within the context of New Wine.
We note that a further complaint is being investigated by the Church of England’s National Safeguarding Team and that Soul Survivor has commissioned an independent review. We will await the outcome of those processes and may comment further when conclusions are published.
If you have specific safeguarding concerns relating to this situation, we encourage you to contact the Church of England’s National Safeguarding team on safeguarding@churchofengland.org. If this has raised concerns for you which are outside of the remit of this investigation, you can speak to thirtyone:eight on 0303 003 1111, or the Safe Spaces helpline on 0300 303 1056.
May 2023
Like many of you, we have been surprised and saddened by the news of the safeguarding investigation into Mike Pilavachi and the distressing recent media reports. Given the ongoing investigation, we cannot comment on the specifics of this situation. However, we want to express our deep empathy and sadness for the pain this situation has caused and acknowledge the distress and concern many are experiencing. We commend the bravery of those who have come forward and we stand with them. We are committed to supporting and praying for all those impacted by this investigation.
New Wine is committed to being a safe place for all and continues to work for excellence in safeguarding practice in all that we do. We seek to model humble and accountable leadership and are committed to helping church leaders in our network nurture safe communities of faith in which the hurting and abused are able to make disclosures, receive healing from Jesus and love, support and care from others.
If you have specific safeguarding concerns relating to this situation, we encourage you to contact the Church of England’s National Safeguarding team on safeguarding@churchofengland.org. If this has raised concerns for you which are outside of the remit of this investigation, you can speak to thirtyone:eight on 0303 003 1111, or the Safe Spaces helpline on 0300 303 1056.