Last week, he joined more than 240 other key Christian leaders at the Global Christian Forum (GCF) to discuss the future of worldwide Christian unity.
Christian Today caught up with him to find out what he thinks about the prospects for unity within the global body of Christ and what role he sees WARC playing.
CT: There seemed to be a consensus at the GCF that barriers and stereotypes were broken down as a result of the meetings and fellowship. Would you agree with that?
CK: Yes, absolutely. We all came here with hopes but I think that not many of us came with the expectation that there would be a genuine yearning and looking forward to a greater unity in Christ across so many lines and divisions. We have not always spoken well of one another and lived well together. I think it's really been a gift of the Holy Spirit.
CT: So you are very positive towards the Global Christian Forum as a tool for building unity among Christian denominations and traditions?
CK: Yes, I am. How exactly it will be shaped in the future I don't think anyone really knows. I think the decision was right not to try to build a big structure but at the same time not to disband it, but rather keep it going, encourage it nationally and regionally and realise we've got to do this again. And I think in 10 years time it's going to take some organisational shape that we never even anticipated.
CT: How do you see WARC fitting in with the GCF and the wider ecumenical movement?
CK: WARC has a unique role as a Christian world communion and although there is different terminology between the ecumenical world and evangelical world, their support, encouragement and the connection of the churches is one important stream that ought to continue.
My guess is that the gift of moving forward will not be identified with a particular organisation. The world communions are important but so are the umbrella groups like the World Evangelical Alliance and the World Council of Churches. Perhaps they may be the ones who ought to take even greater leadership in the future.
