Screw science and philosophical questions. Objections and doubts shrivel and die at the foot of the cross. I'd like to be able to engage in conversation concerning evolution and morality and argue for or against those things from a Christian perspective but the real answer to every question is Jesus.
I am completely, utterly and totally convinced of the death and resurrection of Jesus. Nothing has ever shaken my trust in this, the crux of Christianity. So long as this stands firmly, my conviction will remain.
That's all I really have to say about that.
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On Fairtrade
Sue and I went along to the Fairtrade Fiesta in Paddington last night and managed to have a decent conversation with one of the founders of Tribes & Nations, a Fairtrade business. Sue recognised Mignonne Murray from a spot at CMS Summer School so not only were we able to find out more about Fairtrade, but we were able to approach it from a Christian perspective.
Mignonne explained the basics: Fairtrade is a movement which aims to provide third world producers with a fairer price for their goods. One way in which farmers are protected for example, is by the Fairtrade Minimum Price, which is basically a floor price that guarantees stability and security of income even in an economic downturn. Fairtrade not only seeks to benefit producers in developing countries, but also ensures that the process is environmentally sustainable.
Fairtrade goods are obviously more expensive than what we would normally buy. My question then: is Fairtrade, in a sense, a luxury for those who can afford it? Mignonne countered this by explaining that once demand goes up, prices come down and mentioned the example of Copenhagen as a city that is committed to ethical consumerism, demonstrated by its application to become a Fairtrade city. Apparently 270 Fairtrade cities exist worldwide. Nice.
Mignonne's vision is for Fairtrade to be the norm in about 60 years or so. She sees the next generation recognising that action needs to be taken to address the outrageous disparity in wealth between the first and third worlds and Fairtrade will be a key instrument. I share her passion for seeing it come to pass, but for Fairtrade to prevail, it essentially means that consumers will have to be other-person centred in making their purchases which sounds absurd because it seems so unlikely. Is there a happy medium between capitalism and communism? See, I think that people should be free to make their own wealth, but that there shouldn't be people in dire need. Do I want to have my cake and eat it, too?
No, people should just stop being jerks. Yes, that includes me.
The realisation that there are Fairtrade cities the world over has given me hope. Surely if we continue to demand Fairtrade basics such as coffee and chocolate here in Australia, one city might be willing to go certified Fairtrade? One thing I am definitely sure of now though, I think it is better to support Fairtrade, than to boycott.
I asked Mignonne what we could be praying for and she was adamant: that the church would have a heart for the poor and do something about it. She seemed almost disillusioned and of the opinion that the church today just doesn't seem to care very much. I'm still thinking about this. What should the local church be doing to help alleviate poverty? Should local churches be stepping up to assist developing nations? What about Christian organisations such as World Vision? Surely they are an example of Christian love and service to the poor?
Yet more to ponder.
Should we be using Fairtrade fundraising chocolates in that case as well? And serving fairtrade coffee in our kitchens?
ReplyDeleteCan we afford it?
Can they afford to live like they do in third world countries?
Hmmmm
Well like I asked Mignonne... is Fairtrade only an option for the rich? It's true, it's more expensive, but what's also true is that it's more expensive because people are being paid fairly. We have our cheap chocolate and our cheap coffee because someone, somewhere, is working a 20 hour day, has no breaks, is being paid peanuts, is struggling to feed their family...
ReplyDeleteMaybe it feels far away, but that doesn't make poverty and exploitation any less real. Yes, I personally would buy a chocolate that was say $2.50 instead of $1 because I believe that something must be done. I admit, there are people who would struggle to pay that amount, but for the most part, there are others who just don't want to. I'm not going to let it go just because somebody else might not give a damn. There are lots of people who do, and if they demand change together, then gains will be made. I don't expect poverty to ever be made history, but I do believe it is in our power to help people and if even 100 people out of millions are given a fair chance, then you know what? It's worth it.
So yes, let's look at what we can afford, as opposed to what those in developing nations can afford (which is a hell of a lot less).