Changing the World by Changing the Rules: Go Sojo!

A special issue of Sojourners Magazine features Trade Justice and the many ways Christians can help Make Trade Just. Noting that “Our clothes–or coffee, jeans, and virtually everything else we consume–can tell a story” the issue profiles Traidcraft, a church hall organization that is now on the London Stock Exchange, our friends at Divine Chocolate and their faith-based investors such as Lutheran World Relief, and a Bethlehem factory producing organic clothing made by unionized workers.

Each article integrates biblical teachings about economic justice and encourages people of faith to build economic relationships that represent their values. Noting that transformation of the marketplace requires ordinary Christians heeding the gospel “…who patiently and faithfully plug away in their congregations, prayerfully doing what they can, hoping for more than they can see…” this special issue could be a core document of the CRS Fair Trade strategic plan!

Through our four core programs, we try to build awareness and participation in Fair Trade and thus global solidarity. Parishes all over the country host Work of Human Hands sales or “put their money where their hearts are” by serving Fair Trade coffee. School children and teachers “Raise Money Right” by integrating Catholic Social Teaching with Fair Trade chocolate fundraising. But the fact is, our numbers are small relative to the large number of Catholics in this country. We need help “scaling up” as the management gurus say. If you haven’t already, join with us, as Sojourners puts it, in using your wallet and your Christian clout to help build a fairer world. The May 2007 issue of the magazine will give you ideas and role models, and we have CRS resources as well to help you in your faith journey day in and day out!

This entry was posted on Tuesday, May 15th, 2007 and is filed under Chocolate, Coffee, Fair Trade, Organics . Responses are currently closed, but you can trackback from your own site.

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