Confessor for the Faith

Martin Wilson, son of Bishop Leonard Wilson of Singapore and Birmingham, lent me a copy of the now out of print biography of his father by Roy McKay. I first came across Bishop Wilson through the Malawi Diocesan Link in Birmingham which had been set up through the enthusiasm of Bishop Wilson's daughter, Susan.Then in Singapore I heard of his ministry as Bishop and of his internment at Changi Prison.

I was intrigued to read of the way in which Mary was able to find out that her husband was in Changi Prison. She had been forced to move from Singapore with the children to Australia and Bishop Wilson communicated news of his internment on a postcard which contained 'just ordinary remarks saying he was well, and hoping that she was, and asking after the children, and then ended with these words, 'Interesting news at the end of a letter from Col. Paul Moffatt.' Years later he told her that she knew she had a crossword puzzle mind, and would work it out. She found her way to the final verses of the Epistle to the Colossians in Moffatt's translation, and read, 'This salutation is in my own hand. Remember I am in prison. Grace be with you.'