A Fairtrade Church
What does it mean to be a Fairtrade Church?
Support
Fairtrade is about better prices, decent working conditions and fair terms of trade for farmers and workers. It is about supporting the development of thriving farming and worker communities that have more control over their futures and protecting the environment in which they live and work. And it’s your opportunity to connect with the people who grow the produce that we all depend on.
Principle
Fairtrade is a principle, not a brand. There are over 6,000 Fairtrade certified products for sale through retail and catering outlets. Take coffee for example, you can buy fairly traded coffee from a wide range of different suppliers such as; Taylors of Harrogate (who also do a nice line of tea!), The Co-operative, M&S, Sainsbury’s and Waitrose as well as from Cafédirect. You can even get a Fairtrade Certified Cappuccino, Latte or Mocha from Starbucks! There are many ways you get a great cup of coffee and know it has been produced to high ethical standards.
Justice
Buying Fairtrade products and campaigning to make trade fair allows us all to be part of bringing justice to this world. As Disciples of Christ we are called to live the way of Christ – to stand with the marginalised, to give food to the hungry, drink to the thirsty, clothes to the naked. Our involvement in the Fairtrade movement is an expression of our discipleship as we make intentional choices about how we shop, donate money, campaign for change and serve others in practical ways. Read more about trade justice, and the need for trade justice to bring about climate justice.
‘and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?’ Micah 6:8, NRSV
Choice
Our decisions and our choices can make a difference. They can also have a great effect on those around us. Making the right choice can mean freedom and a way out of poverty for the farmers and producers in developing countries. We can make a difference through every action we make. Through Fairtrade, farmers receive a better price for their goods and also receive an additional premium which they can choose to spend where they feel they need to. This premium gives them choices that they otherwise would not have: choosing the best way to invest in their community or business for a brighter future. Read more about the impact of the Fairtrade Foundation's work here.
‘For truly I tell you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, "Move from here to there," and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.’ Matthew 17:20, NRSV
How are you going to make a difference in the lives of famer and worker communities around the world? Tell us, via our contact page, how you shop for Fairtrade products, or how you would like to see Portholme Church do more in our fight for trade justice.
Whether it is in Fairtrade Fortnight, or at any other time of year, may we take more care with our choices, and choose Fairtrade.
