"What does the Lord require of us: to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God’" Micah 6:8.
Many churches in the Diocese are already Fairtrade churches and we are, unofficially, termed a Fairtrade Diocese.
By being a Fairtrade Church you are helping to make a difference to the lives of more than seven million farmers, workers and their families in 59 developing countries.
This is an important part of our Christian mission, and by becoming a Fairtrade Church you are living out part of our Diocesan 'Growing in God' vision. Becoming a Fairtrade Church also fulfils three of the five Marks of Mission:
- Responding to human need
- Transforming unjust structures of society & pursuing peace
- Safeguarding creation & renewing life on earth
How to become a Fairtrade Church?
There are three simple steps to becoming a Fairtrade Church:
1. Use Fairtrade products wherever possible (at least tea, coffee and sugar) and to share this information with congregants.
2. Celebrate Fairtrade Fortnight and integrate Fairtrade into he life of your place of worship through other faith-based holidays, sermons and services.
3. Engage with other Fairtrade campaigns and connect with community groups, such as schools and towns, where possible.
To commit to becoming a Fairtrade Church, email the Fairtrade Foundation , who will then send you a personalised form and, once registered, a certificate for your church. There is also further information on their website:
Fairtrade churches | Weblink
More information and resources
For further information please email Richard Stainer, Joint World Development Adviser for the Diocese of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich. Richard is available to come to talk to church groups or at church services about Fairtrade.
To purchase Fairtrade goods for your church please try these shops:
- Traidcraft | Weblink
- Kingdom coffee | Weblink
