Church and Society

Towards a Fairtrade Synod

Fair Trade is a partnership between producers and consumers which ensures producers receive good working conditions and fair prices. Fair Trade principles include:

Paying fair prices to the producers which reflect the true cost of production
No child or forced labour is involved in production
Supporting producers in their social development projects for health and education
Promoting the empowerment of women
Producers treating the environment in a sustainable way
Committing to long term relationships to provide stability and security
Campaigning to highlight the unequal system of world trade

Using our buying power as consumers we can make a contribution to ending world poverty. Buying goods with the FAIRTRADE Mark can be a step towards campaigning for trade justice and shows how ethics should inform international trade rules.

In October 2003 a resolution was agreed by Wessex Synod affirming that it would aim to be a Fairtrade Synod. This will mean that the Synod and its churches would:

Use only fairly traded tea and coffee at all meetings under their control
Move towards using other fairly trade goods such as sugar
Publicise and take part in Fairtrade Fortnight in March each year

As of 1 January 2009 in the Wessex Synod 78% of our churches have declared themselves Fairtrade Churches. The proportion in each of the Pastoral Areas of the Synod is as follows: North Western 83%; North Eastern 81%; South Eastern 81%; South Western 69%. If you wish to register a Fairtrade Church in our Synod please contact the Synod Commitment for Life Advocate.

A large number of city and town councils have obtained Fairtrade status. For the current list and information about the available Fairtrade products please visit www.fairtrade.org.uk

Click here to downoad the Synod Enviromental Policy

Click here to download the Public Issues Calendar for 2008