Matt Redman, an acclaimed worship leader and one of the most notable former members of the Watford church Soul Survivor, has issued a statement in response to the ongoing safeguarding investigation involving Soul Survivor leader Mike Pilavachi. Redman expressed his concern and full support for the investigation into Pilavachi’s behaviour.
The Church of England National Safeguarding Team (NST) recently announced that it was investigating Pilavachi’s behaviour. The investigation is said to be looking into allegations of inappropriate conduct towards young people within the Soul Survivor community. Pilavachi, who founded Soul Survivor in 1993, has stepped down from all public ministry roles while the investigation takes place.
The National Safeguarding Team (NST), Soul Survivor, and the Diocese of St Albans jointly confirmed that the investigation involving Soul Survivor leader Mike Pilavachi is not a criminal investigation or a clergy disciplinary matter. Initially, it was reported that the concerns were related to “non-recent events,” but a recent update revealed that new complaints have since been brought forward.
In his statement, Redman acknowledged the seriousness of the situation and expressed his support for the victims on social media. He said, “Having spent some of my formative years in that environment, I felt it was important to acknowledge these news stories. But most of all I wanted to commend those who are hurting and have so courageously stepped forward.
“While there’s an ongoing investigation | cannot comment on my own experience, but if you or anyone you know are also needing to be heard, please do reach out to the National Safeguarding Team via safeguarding@churchofengland.org, Safe Spaces on 0300 303 1056, or Thirtyone:eight on 0303 003 1111. Beth and I send much love today to all affected.”
— Matt Redman (@matt_redman) May 2, 2023
Redman, who has won multiple awards for his worship music, including two Grammy Awards, was a regular worship leader at Soul Survivor events in the early 2000s. He has gone on to serve in worship music and church leadership roles, becoming a prominent figure in the global worship music scene.
The investigation into Pilavachi’s behaviour has been ongoing for several months, with the NST calling for any further information or reports to be made to them. The NST has also appointed an independent safeguarding consultant to oversee the investigation.
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