A progress report following the Scolding Review into abuse by former Soul Survivor leader Mike Pilavachi will be presented to General Synod in February, confirming that proposed legislative changes to mission oversight are now ready to be debated.
The review found that weak governance, unchecked power and a culture that discouraged challenge allowed abusive behaviour to go unchallenged for years within Soul Survivor.
In response, bishops have overseen a review of the Code of Practice for Mission Initiatives, including Bishops’ Mission Orders and other new worshipping communities.
Revised proposals have now been brought forward by a working group appointed by the Lead Bishops for Church Planting and approved by the House of Bishops. These changes aim to strengthen accountability, clarify leadership responsibilities and ensure safeguarding concerns can be raised and acted upon earlier.
The legislation will be debated by Synod in February 2026.
Alongside the legislative changes, the Church has issued a renewed corporate apology to survivors of abuse connected to Soul Survivor.
Lead Bishops for Safeguarding Rt Rev Joanne Grenfell and Rt Rev Robert Springett acknowledged that church culture and processes failed to prevent or challenge harmful behaviour, and said safeguarding reform must be accompanied by both repentance and action.
Other reforms coming out of the Scolding Review include new leadership training using a Soul Survivor case study, updated guidance for clergy conduct, stronger oversight of internships and discipleship schemes, and mandatory psychological wellbeing assessments for all ordination candidates.