The faith communities are one of the biggest users of Fairtrade products within Oldham. Currently we have over 30 places of worship(for full details see the Faith header) that use Fairtrade products and the majority run a Fairtrade stall usually after worship
Background
An ever-growing number of churches are making the connection between trade and poverty and committing to using Fairtrade products including tea, coffee, sugar and biscuits.
Churches organise hundreds of events during Fairtrade Fortnight and throughout the year as well as including prayers and readings about Fairtrade in their worship. Faith groups continue to be key supporters of Fairtrade which is making a real difference to the lives of more than 7 million farmers, workers and their families in 59 developing countries.
The three goals
Your Church Council/Meeting must agree to the following:
- Use Fairtrade tea and coffee after services and in all meetings for which you have responsibility
- Move forward on using other Fairtrade products such as sugar, biscuits and fruit
- Promote Fairtrade during Fairtrade Fortnight and during the year through events, worship and other activities whenever possible
if your place of worship would like to become involved please email us with your details
Seeking justice in the world is a fundamental tenet of all faiths. Campaigning for Fairtrade is one way in which many faith groups are pursuing this goal. If you would like to get involved in a practical and empowering scheme which gets the whole community involved, then you can take part in our Fairtrade Places of Worship scheme.
How to become a Fairtrade Place of Worship
To become a Fairtrade Place of Worship, your mosque, temple, gurudawara or other place of worship needs to meet three goals which are about pledging to use and promote Fairtrade products.
The three goals
- Serve Fairtrade tea and coffee for all meetings and events (for which you have responsibility)
- Move forward on using other Fairtrade products such as sugar, biscuits and fruit
- Promote Fairtrade during Fairtrade Fortnight and during the year through events, worship and other activities whenever possible
Registration, application and renewal
If you would like to apply to become a Fairtrade Mosque, please fill in our Mosque Application Form and return it to us via emailor post to Fairtrade Mosques, The Fairtrade Foundation, 3rd Floor, IBEX House, 42-47 Minories, London EC3N 1DY.
If you are a Buddhist Temple, or a Hindu temple, then please complete our Fairtrade Places of Worship Application Form and send it to us via email or post to Fairtrade Places of Worship, 3rd Floor, IBEX House, 42-47 Minories, London EC3N 1DY.
Once we receive your application and it is approved, we will then send you an official Fairtrade certificate and other materials to help you get started with your campaign!
Support, resources and activities
If you would like ideas on how you can promote Fairtrade in your place of worship, you might like to read our Fairtrade Fortnight 2009 Action Guide (which is packed with ideas for events and activities. You can also emailus or telephone us on 020 7440 8593 if you have any questions.