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Methodist Districts leading the way on Fairtrade

1 March 2006

Methodist churches have always been at the forefront of the Fairtrade movement and played a key part in wider campaigns for trade justice. The 1000th official Fairtrade church was a Methodist Church, Copmanthorpe Methodist Church.

MRDF is a long-standing member of the Fairtrade Foundation and an improved, updated and better-resourced Fairtrade Churches scheme has received substantial funding from MRDF and will be launched during 2006.

The Fairtrade movement is now beginning to encompass whole Districts. To become a Fairtrade District, more than half the churches covered must regularly use Fairtrade products and must actively raise awareness about Fairtrade in their local area.

This Fairtrade Fortnight, MRDF spoke to representatives from three Methodist Districts in the process of attaining Fairtrade status. Here is some of their advice and encouragement:

Start by passing a resolution at synod. East Anglia District passed a resolution at last year's Spring Synod, as a way of demonstrating their commitment to MAKE POVERTY HISTORY, which individual churches followed up at Church Council meetings in the Autumn.

• Gather information about what's already happening. In every District there will already be many Fairtrade Churches. York and Hull District is compiling a database to keep track of its progress. Smaller churches may need extra help and encouragement to take up Fairtrade issues.
• Use existing communication channels. Jane and Anton Dowell in North Wales use District newsletters and events to get the message out.
• Work ecumenically. "It's happening everywhere," explained Wendy Moxon from East Anglia District, "we're working closely with the Anglican Diocese of Ipswich and St Edmundsbury and the URC synod which already have Fairtrade status."
• Make the most of Fairtrade Fortnight to launch your campaign or to remind people about the importance of Fairtrade. North Wales District is taking part in an ecumenical service to mark Fairtrade Fortnight in the St Asaph's Cathedral and holding its own Fairtrade Forum for interested people to find out more.
• Remember that becoming a Fairtrade District is not the end of the journey. Brian Shackleton from York and Hull District explains that important as buying Fairtrade is, it is "only a step towards the greater goal of trade justice."
• Order the Fairtrade Fortnight Church Action Guide from MRDF for all the churches in your area.