'...inexhaustible faith in the promise of Christ'

The Ven. Tony Davies Archdeacon of Croydon

I have been privileged to work with Bishop Wilfred for just over eight years and our friendship has developed and deepened through the years.

I have been in turns enraged, and saddened, by the letters he has received over the years. Whenever he has spoken out against injustice, the letters come flooding in, and they are pretty scary! The saddest thing is that so many of them are from those purporting to be Christians. But Bishop Wilfred, though bloodied in the battle, is unbowed. The secret is his inexhaustible faith in the promise of Christ that: 'if I be lifted up, I will draw all peoples to me." Sadly it seems that some Christians want to limit Christ to those they would themselves choose.

When I was new to this work, I was in the habit of making sweeping generalizations about parishes and policies and people. Bishop Wilfred would raise his eyes to the ceiling and think for a moment before saying: "ye-es" which I soon learnt meant "...you're talking through your hat old boy!"

I learnt, by being alongside him, that no one else really knows the daily grind of petty injustices dished out to those whose ethnicity differs from white British. Bishop Wilfred's crie de coer is that minority ethnic people should be able to say for themselves what it feels like, and not be patronised by well meaning white people who want to tell them what it must feel like!

For Mr Blair, it's 'education, education, education'. You may be tempted sometimes to think that for Bishop Wilfred it is 'cricket, cricket, cricket'. However, those of us who have been privileged to be close to him know that what matters can only be 'Jesus, Jesus, Jesus'!"

Extracts from the speech made at the Black and Minority Ethnic Forum farewell, in May.

'...a passion for justice'

Canon Ivor Smith-Cameron, All Saints, Battersea

When the Bishop David Sheppard in the early 70's invited Wilfred to be the Vicar of St. Laurence, Catford, it showed a clear sightedness of vision and discernment in his judgment. For, in Wilfred, we have a person who in the very marrow of his bones has a passion for justice. Wilfred soon became recognised in the diocese and on the stage of the national and international church as committed to raising awareness within the structures of the church to the obscenity of racism. In his sermons and addresses in the churches, and in his work with the wider community, he has spoken untiringly about the dignity of every person and he profoundly believes that all are made in the very image of God. As a prayerful priest and as a stirring prophet of our times Wilfred has refused to countenance injustice in any shape or form. In his work as Moderator of the World Council of Churches programme to Combat Racism he has courted unpopularity and met with opposition both from within the church and outside. He is no stranger to verbal and personal abuse. He and his beloved wife Ina and family have suffered at the hands of his deriders.

Throughout his years in Southwark Wilfred has been to me both a great friend and an icon of Christian discipleship. He has been a faithful disciple of Martin Luther King and displayed the same humanity and humility as his master. His years with us have contributed greatly to the claims of the Diocese to be in the forefront working for the empowerment of the People of God. We wish Lady Ina and Bishop Wilfred a long and happy retirement and assure them and their family of our prayers.

'... deep spiritual strength'

Pat Dyer, Treasurer, Black and Minority Ethnic Forum

Having worked alongside Bishop Wilfred on the Race Relations Commission from 1984 to its demise, I grew to know him as a man of deep spiritual strength who respects all people.

As a genuine servant of God he uses humour to create better understanding between races. His simplicity makes him a positive role model that enables and empowers others to go forward and make a difference by changing lives.

He will be remembered for the impact he made in the areas of Race Relations work and Social Justice nationally and internationally. He is a positive legacy to be treasured and on which to build - this is indeed HISTORY.

'...inspiration and courage

Vasantha Gnanadoss, General Synod

The first words that come to my mind in thinking of Bishop Wilfred are inspiration and courage.

During my first year on General Synod I was inspired by Bishop Wilfred during a debate on the World Council of Churches Programme to Combat Racism. There was an underlying racism in many of the speeches by white members. Bishop Wilfred made a spirited defence of the Programme and questioned people's attitudes.

In the early days after the murder of Stephen Lawrence few people thought about the injustice of the case. Bishop Wilfred was a supporter of the Lawrence family from the beginning. He made a courageous speech at Diocesan Synod, despite predictable opposition, inviting parishes to make a donation towards the legal costs of the Lawrence family. I know that these and other courageous stands led to Bishop Wilfred and his family receiving numerous hate letters and obscene messages on the answerphone over the years. I salute his courage and pray that others will carry on his good work.

'...sense of humour and a very strong faith'

Mike Lee, St Laurence Catford

Wilfred Wood was Vicar of St Laurence Catford 1974- 1982. Ably supported by his family, the vicarage was always 'Open House' to all.

Due to his work with the Race Relations Commission he was invited to lunch with The Queen, and as Chairman of the Martin Luther King Memorial Foundation and a member of the World Council of Churches he travelled a great deal, so St Laurence was internationally known. But not only did St Laurence's go to the rest of the World, the world came to St Laurence's.

BBC televised three services including a Sunday morning Parish Communion, where Wilfred gave out the notices and invited everyone to tea or coffee in the church hall after the service.

He had letters from all over the country congratulating him on such a friendly service, Wilfred has a keen sense of humour and a very strong faith. He is always welcome at St Laurence.