Affinity’s response to allegations of pastoral malpractice in the wider evangelical UK Christian community

Allegations of misconduct by another prominent Christian leader, Mike Pilavachi, are currently being discussed in the media and investigated by the Church of England safeguarding team.

Affinity categorically stands against all forms of abuse of power and recognises the deep damage that is done to victims and we are desperately sad to hear that these investigations have needed to happen.

As a network, we have no connection to Soul Survivor but we do acknowledge its influence amongst a large group of Christians, especially young Christians, and whatever the substance of the allegations we deeply regret that it appears to be worthy of serious investigation.

We join with other Christian leaders and organisations in encouraging anyone who has information or personal experience to come forward and to have the confidence that their stories will be listened to sympathetically.

We also call for caution in commenting and speculating before the facts are clear and for justice, both for the alleged survivors and those who are accused – that conclusions are reached on the basis of clear evidence, carefully weighed.

The Bible is clear that church leaders particularly have an obligation from God with regard to their pastoral responsibility for the people in their care. The standards to which they are held are above and beyond those of other institutions and communities (Matt. 5:19-21; 1 Tim. 3:1-12; 5:7; James 3:1). Therefore, any emotional or psychological abuse they perpetrate is that much more reprehensible.

Pastoral malpractice has always been present within God’s church and is still present today. Sadly, it will continue to blight our congregations unless more effort is made to identify, expose and address controlling behaviour, bullying leadership and an expectation on the part of some leaders of unconditional loyalty.

Church leaders are called by the Great Shepherd to make every effort to prevent and respond to abuses of power and to deal justly and tenderly with all those who are victims of such abuse.

As a network, we are serious about helping churches address issues of abuse of power. We seek to encourage churches and organisations to create healthy cultures where concerns about pastoral malpractice can be raised and dealt with fairly, and in ways which are honouring to Christ, theologically faithful and legally compliant.

Whilst we have no direct control over any of the churches or organisations affiliated with Affinity we do urge and resource them to put in place procedures to ensure that complaints and concerns are heard and responded to in a timely, appropriate, and God–honouring fashion.