Mike Pilavachi, founder of the Soul Survivor Christian youth festival, which was held near Shepton Mallet for 24 years, is facing allegations of spiritual abuse following an investigation by the Church of England.

Mike Pilavachi, founder of the Soul Survivor festival, which took place in Shepton Mallet between 1993 and 2017, faces allegations of spiritual abuse after an investigation by the Church of England's National Safeguarding Team (NST) and the diocese of St Albans.

The investigation found Pilavachi displayed "coercive and controlling behaviour" and engaged in "inappropriate relationships." It noted: "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."

The festival moved from Shepton to Peterborough in 2017.

The allegations involve conduct spanning four decades and include his time both before and after his ordination in 2012.

The Church defines "spiritual abuse" as "a form of emotional and psychological abuse characterised by a systematic pattern of coercive and controlling behaviour in a religious context." The findings have sent shockwaves through the British evangelical community, stirring up a mix of heartbreak and contemplation.

The Bishop of St Albans, Alan Smith, expressed sorrow on behalf of the Church, saying, "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."

Pilavachi resigned from his role at Soul Survivor and returned his license to the Bishop of St Albans, rendering him unable to minister in the Church of England. Soul Survivor has also commissioned a "full and independent review," led by Fiona Scolding KC.

Hertfordshire Police stated that there is currently no ongoing investigation into Mr Pilavachi, who resigned in July.

The Soul Survivor statement read: "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. We have been working with the NST to provide counselling and advocacy support to the individuals they have identified as finding it most beneficial."