Photo Credit: Dan Wilson, volunteer at recent FTLA event

Joan and her family recently hosted me for a week as I made a series of talks and presentations on behalf of Catholic Relief Services to mark Fair Trade month.   Thanks to Joan’s efforts, I met Fair Traders of many faiths–Lutherans, Episcopalians and Presbyterians pop to mind–who affirmed for me how incredibly important people of faith are to building and sustaining a grassroots movement for Fair Trade in the United States.

As Fair Trade grows and flourishes in mostly secular arenas, people of faith are a grounding force. There are Fair Trade businesses and Fair Trade Towns.  Fair Trade is a topic of academic debate and media attention.  Throughout concerns and controversies, marketing tactics and branding wars, a stabilizing force in the movement is the presence of people of faith focused on respect for God’s creation, first and foremost.

I love to tell the story of Fair Trade being started by a Mennonite missionary.  I rejoiced recently when Islamic Relief USA launched a Fair Trade project with CRS Partner Equal Exchange.   I am heartened that the volunteers from FTLA join together as a people of many faiths, and none at all, to build community commitments to economic justice.   All these efforts at the grassroots foster my hope that even in the secular marketplace, Fair Trade will be shaped by the ethos and the activities of people who seek to serve a purpose greater than themselves.

This post was originally published on the Fair Trade Resource Network’s Spirituality and Faith blog.  Please visit it for other interfaith reflections.

….This past summer we began an effort to make El Paso a Fair Trade diocese. Five of us formed a steering committee and Linda and I wrote a declaration and then passed it on to Fr John Stowe, Vicar General and Moderator of the Curia in the Diocese. Fr. Stowe liked the declaration and presented it at the next meeting of the diocesan vicars. I wrote Fr. Stowe and asked if we could use the Declaration as we gave Fair Trade presentations to various groups in the diocese (Deacon candidates, parishes, etc.) Fr Stowe replied with a definite “yes” and added that the Bishop Ochoa was in agreement with the Declaration. Bishop Ochoa has used Fair Trade coffee himself for several years now. Immediately after we formed the Fair Trade steering committee for the diocese, we gave a presentation to the directors of diocesan ministries. All the diocesan offices now use Fair trade coffee and tea and the Bishop often mentions/promotes it at his meetings.

The declaration has been a great help in gaining attention and giving credibility to the link between fair trade and Gospel solidarity and justice. It has also helped US Catholics understand in a concrete way the root cause of the immigration crisis….

On July 1, Joe received word that Bishop Ochoa had officially approved the declaration and would be sending a signed copy to the Steering Committee. This declaration–in keeping with the tradition of Fair Trade Towns –states:

Diocese of El Paso, Texas Declaration of Support for Fair Trade

Whereas one half the world’s population lives in poverty with its attendant hunger, disease, illiteracy and despondency.

Whereas living in El Paso we see the result of this poverty first hand with thousands leaving their country of origin to cross the border searching for a way to support their families.

Whereas at the start of the 21st century John Paul II proclaimed that the poverty of billions of men and women is “the one issue that most challenges our human and Christian conscience.”

Whereas when we celebrate the Eucharist we proclaim our belief and commitment to the reign of Jesus in which bread is shared by all.

Whereas Fair Trade gives workers a just price for their products and in Fair Trade communities food is on the table, children are healthy and attend school, the environment is respected and workers remain with family in their homeland.

Whereas Fair Trade gives every person of good faith a practical and effective way to respond every day to the challenge of poverty and to participate in bringing about a world where all share God’s abundance.

Accordingly, the Diocese of El Paso declares its support for Fair Trade and will actively promote the use of Fair Trade coffee and tea at all Diocesan offices, ministries and events.

The Diocese will promote education to make clear the connection between Fair Trade and our Faith .

The Diocese will help ensure that Fair Trade products are available in the community.

The Diocese will encourage parishes to endorse Fair Trade and to use Fair Trade coffee and tea at offices, ministries and parish events. It will encourage that this message and practice then spread throughout the parish community.

Signed by Bishop Ochoa effective July 1, 2008

Remember that I said Joe was a superstar? He and the steering committee accomplished their goal in one year! I am amazed at the humble but passionate organizing, the skillful networking, and the overwhelming commitment to those struggling in poverty. Thank you Diocese of El Paso for your leadership!

El Paso is the first diocese to declare itself in support of Fair Trade, but it doesn’t have to be the last! Look to the steering committee’s example: join with others who share your passion for Fair Trade, begin to educate your community, reach out to the powers that be, recruit supporters in allied groups, and see what you can get done by this time next year! Use this blog to share your ideas and let us know if CRS resources or staff can be of support.