We have been a Fairtrade church for some time, Camden is a Fairtrade borough, but the Diocese of London has only just achieved Fairtrade status – which means they meet these criteria:
Diocesan Synod to support and promote Fairtrade, further encourage the use and sale of Fairtrade products and to serve only Fairtrade coffee and tea at meetings it is responsible for.And through further prayer, worship and study to develop its witness in the area of relationship and justice and engagement with the Millennium Development Goals. [See below]
To encourage parishes, local churches etc. as part of their mission in the world, to adopt the same policy. As far as possible, to display literature advertising the fact that Fairtrade products are used and served there.
To have 50% of parishes in the Diocese certified as Fairtrade Churches, to ensure Fairtrade tea, coffee and other products, if possible, are used and/or sold by them, and that Fairtrade is regularly encouraged in them.
Attract further media coverage and continue raising awareness of the FAIRTRADE Mark. If possible, make reference to denominational area’s Fairtrade status on the relevant website.
Set up a Fairtrade steering group to take responsibility for monitoring to ensure that goals continue to be met and developed over time.
There will be a service to celebrate this achievement at St Paul’s Cathedral on Sunday 11th March at 6.00pm
Fairtrade status