Nicky Gumbel was right to meet the Pope and strive for Christian unity

When Rev Nicky Gumbel shared a photo of him meeting the Pope last week, it resulted in heavy criticism from some Christians. But Jesus never said, “Go and be right”, says Christy Wimber. Instead he prayed that we would be brought to complete unity

During the past few decades, I’ve had the opportunity to serve in many different streams of the Church. I have preached in Protestant churches and non-denominational churches around the world. At the same time, I have served on the board of Charis, a team commissioned by the Pope with an ecumenical approach to introducing the power of the Holy Spirit to the Catholic Church and beyond. It has been one of the greatest honors of my life.

Since I am not Catholic, each time I speak at a Catholic gathering, I am not permitted to receive communion. However, I am welcomed to receive a blessing from the priest. I realised many years ago that I could respond by living in offence to what I am not allowed to do, or I could see it as a privilege to receive what was offered.