A Grammy-nominated musician from Watford has spoken out on “first-hand” experience of “harmful behaviours” at a church.

Christian worship leader and singer-songwriter Matt Redman, who was born in Watford and raised in Chorleywood, published a statement to social media after Rev Canon Mike Pilavachi resigned from Soul Survivor Watford on Tuesday (July 11).

Mr Pilavachi remains under investigation after safeguarding allegations prompted him to “step back” from the church he founded, in Greycaine Road, in April.

Mr Redman, who won Best Contemporary Christian Music Song Grammy in 2013, said he had not spoken out earlier out of respect for the ongoing investigation.

However, prompted by Mr Pilavachi’s resignation statement and the replies to it, he said: “I know some are having a tough time believing the various accusations - they can create a very uncomfortable tension for those who have only ever had a meaningful and transformative experience at Soul Survivor.

“I really understand and sympathise with that.

“But there are victims here - and the number of people who have come forward to the safeguarding investigation is now a loud and clear alarm bell that cannot be ignored.”

Watford Observer: Matt RedmanMatt Redman (Image: Integrity Music)

He claimed “over a hundred” people had reported mistreatment and that he had experienced “the harmful behaviours described” himself.

“I had not intended to disclose this on social media, but much of the recent narrative following Mike’s statement has compelled me to do so,” he said.

“I have spent years trying to fully heal from my time at Soul Survivor - and, painfully, I now know this to be the case for a lot of other people too.

“It’s not appropriate for me to comment in further detail at this time, and instead I have testified directly to the ongoing investigation.”

He claimed there has historically been a “failure of care” by those in authority at the church. He added that members, including himself and his wife, Beth, had been “ignored, patronised or gaslit by those in leadership” when they came forward before the investigation began.

The full statement is available here.

A Soul Survivor spokesperson said: “We are grateful to Matt and Beth Redman for their openness and honesty.

“We recognise how painful it has been for the Redman family, and for all those who have contributed to the NST investigation - they have all displayed great courage in coming forward and we are taking their reports very seriously.

“As a church we are committed to the ongoing process and in addition an independent and robust review of our own culture, leadership and governance.”

On Tuesday, Mr Pilavachi, via his Facebook page, said: “I have today resigned as associate pastor of Soul Survivor Watford.

“I have taken this step because the church needs to heal and I have realised that my continued presence will hinder that process.

“I seek forgiveness from any whom I have hurt during the course of my ministry.”

He added that he had not previously commented publicly “on advice” and will not do so further, “as I do not believe it would be good for anyone if I took part in a trial by media or social media”.