Women of the ELCA through all of its expressions has a long history of supporting Fair Trade efforts, and today that will be brought to life again as the churchwide staff hosts a fair trade fair. Now in its sixth year, the fair trade fair introduces workers in the O’Hare Plaza (four interconnected buildings, one of which is the Lutheran Center) to fair trade through the sale of items from countries as diverse as India, Kenya, Mexico and South Africa. Baskets, jewelry, scarves, and ornaments, among other things, are joined with spices, soup mixes and the ever-popular Divine Chocolates to offer purchases shopping options that amount to acts of faithful stewardship.
Fair trade helps artisans and farmers around the globe in several ways. It gives them a fair and dependable price for their products and crops, allowing them a more sustainable livelihood. Child labor and forced labor policies are followed. The rights and leadership of women are promoted. And entire communities benefit.
Today’s sale, an #AdventAction of the churchwide staff, is made possible through SERRV, one of the first fair trade organizations in the United States. With Church of the Brethren roots, SERRV is a nonprofit with a mission to eradicate poverty wherever it resides by providing opportunity and support for artisans and farmers worldwide. Learn how you can host a fair trade sale in your congregation with SERRV or shop directly.
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