In a new twist for ecumenical relations this week, a Requiem Mass – which included a tribute from Pope Francis – took place for an Evangelical bishop, Tony Palmer, who died tragically in a motorcycle accident last month. He came to the world’s attention when he persuaded the Pope to send a video-recorded message to one of his conferences. Bishop Palmer, co-founder of the Ark Community, a group of Evangelical charismatics within the Anglican Episcopal tradition, was passionate about Christian unity. His requiem took place at St John the Evangelist Church in Bath on Wednesday.  British-born Palmer’s widow, Emiliana, is a Catholic, as are his two children. Initially, he discovered the Christian faith in the Evangelical tradition in South Africa, although later wa