Diocesan News10 Sep 08

Cork, Cloyne & Ross become a Fairtrade Diocese

Life is not always fair, but it is certainly getting that way in Cork, Cloyne & Ross! Becoming a Fairtrade Diocese is not an easy thing, and not something to be taken lightly. Diocesan synod supported the initiative, and 15 parishes have now made a written commitment to use Fairtrade tea/coffee at all meetings, promote Fairtrade in the local media, and display Fairtrade literature. This means we are able to pronounce ourselves a Fairtrade Diocese under the guidelines laid down by the Fairtrade Foundation. We are the first in the Republic of Ireland, as far as we know, but there are over 60 Fairtrade Anglican diocese, including Canterbury.

Fairtrade is about acting out the Christian mission in our own community. It’s part of Christian stewardship of the earth, and it’s about remembering that every time you buy something in a shop you are making a ‘value judgement’ which signals to those around you what you really care about in life. I remember a teacher telling me if ever I was in doubt about what to do, just imagine Jesus was in the room. So what if he was working at the supermarket checkout nowadays too?

Even better news is that Fairtrade communion wine has arrived in Ireland this month (contact Rathbornes/Lalor on 01 809 8600), and Fairtrade cotton clergy shirts are now available too. The perfect Christmas gift for a fashion conscious rector from www.fairtradeclergyshirts.co.uk and for the children in your parish, what about Fairtrade Advent Calendars to mark this occasion (contact Alan Clayton 021 477 3273).

If you want to find out more, log onto www.fairtrade.ie