Watford church leader Mike Pilavachi 'massaged young male interns'

Rev Canon Mike Pilavachi led Soul Survivor Church in Watford, as well as a national Christian youth festival

A church leader massaged young male interns and wrestled youths as he used his "spiritual authority to control people", an investigation has found.

The former Rev Canon Mike Pilavachi led Soul Survivor Church in Watford as well as a national Christian youth festival.

A Church of England probe found he displayed coercive and controlling behaviour at the church and had inappropriate relationships.

The BBC has been unable to reach Mr Pilavachi for comment.

The Bishop of St Albans and Soul Survivor Church have apologised to victims.

Hertfordshire Police said there was currently no ongoing investigation into Mr Pilavachi, who resigned in July.

'Massaging young male interns'

The Church of England investigation was conducted by the National Safeguarding Team (NST) and the diocese of St Albans.

It concluded that "safeguarding concerns" raised about him were "substantiated".

Mr Pilavachi preached at the Soul Survivor Church in Watford, Hertfordshire

A report said those concerns related to conduct in his leadership and ministry, both before and after he was ordained in 2012, spanning 40 years from his time as a youth leader to the present day.

It said: "The overall substantiated concerns are described as an abuse of power relating to his ministry, and spiritual abuse; described in guidance as 'a form of emotional and psychological abuse characterised by a systematic pattern of coercive and controlling behaviour in a religious context'.

"It was concluded that he used his spiritual authority to control people and that his coercive and controlling behaviour led to inappropriate relationships, the physical wrestling of youths and massaging of young male interns."

'Sorry for hurt caused'

Because Mr Pilavachi had resigned from his role at Soul Survivor and resigned his licence to the Bishop of St Albans, he "therefore cannot currently minister in the Church of England", it added.

It further said: "The National Safeguarding Team has been granted permission to take out a complaint under the Clergy Discipline Measure against Mike Pilavachi, relating to a safeguarding concern post-ordination."

The Bishop of St Albans, Alan Smith, said: "This has been a painful process for everyone involved, going back over years.

"I am sorry on behalf of the Church for the hurt caused and would like to acknowledge the courage of those who came forward to share their lived experience.

"I am aware there will be further contact with individuals about a more personalised response."

The Bishop of St Albans, Alan Smith, described those who came forward with concerns as "courageous"

In a statement released by Soul Survivor, it said: "We are deeply sorry to all those people who have been victims of spiritual, emotional and psychological abuse, physical wrestling and massage under Mike's leadership.

"There has been a systematic pattern of coercive and controlling behaviour. We are saddened that these behaviours happened in a context that should have provided safety and spiritual support."

It continued: "We are aware of the hurt many individuals have and continue to experience as a result of Mike's abuse and are truly sorry for the part Soul Survivor has played.

"We have been working with the NST to provide counselling and advocacy support to the individuals they have identified as finding it most beneficial. We remain committed to ensuring our church is safe and welcoming for all."

Sole Survivor had commissioned Fiona Scolding KC to lead "a full and independent review", it said.

Another member of the clergy at Soul Survivor, Senior Pastor Revd Andy Croft, remained suspended as part of the safeguarding investigation.

Concerns raised about a second pastor, Ali Martin, who was also suspended, had not been substantiated, Soul Survivor said.

"Ali's suspension will therefore be lifted and she will be reintegrating back into her role over the coming weeks," a church spokesperson added.