An independent review into the culture and practices at a church has begun after allegations about a pastor were found “substantiated”.

An internal church probe into Mike Pilavachi, former pastor at and founder of the Greycaine Road church Soul Survivor Watford, concluded in September.

At the time, the church's trustees announced that an independent review would follow and it has now confirmed that it launched yesterday (November 21).

The terms of reference, which detail the review's scope, state that it is considering "the culture and practices of Soul Survivor as they relate to the allegations made concerning Mike Pilavachi”.

It specified that “Soul Survivor” refers to the Watford church, the associated festivals (Soul Survivor Festivals), and Soul 61 (a religious gap year course).

The document says: “The reviewers will consider the extent to which the conduct specified in these allegations was, whether tacitly or explicitly, enabled, condoned or exacerbated by the past and present culture and practices of Soul Survivor and/or deficiencies in the governance, policies, practices, arrangements and oversight by the Trustees of Soul Survivor, others in leadership positions within Soul Survivor, and those who had oversight of Soul Survivor in respect of their governance.”

Soul Survivor commissioned Fiona Scolding KC to lead the review.

However, in a video addressed to those affected, she emphasised that she is completely independent and will not pass on any information given to her without permission.

An email address has been set up for people to contact the investigation (soulsurvivor@landmarkchambers.co.uk).

Watford Observer: Mr Pilavachi.Mr Pilavachi. (Image: Soul Survivor)

At the end of the review, a final written report will be provided to Soul Survivor and it will then publish the findings publicly, subject to any relevant legal considerations.

The substantiated concerns related to allegations of abuse of power relating to his ministry, and spiritual abuse, over a 30-year period.

The internal review described a “form of emotional and psychological abuse characterised by a systematic pattern of coercive and controlling behaviour in a religious context”.

He was concluded to have used his spiritual authority to control people and “his coercive and controlling behaviour led to inappropriate relationships, the physical wrestling of youths and massaging of young male interns”.