Faith, Justice and Formation 

Fairtrade Fortnight (6 -19 August)

Fairtrade Fortnight is an annual campaign organised by Fairtrade Australia that celebrates all things Fairtrade. In doing so, it is a celebration of global equality, a celebration of opportunity, and a celebration of our planet. 

Fairtrade empowers millions of farmers and workers around the world by tackling poverty and poor working conditions, while conserving the environment. It is hope for a better future by making trade fair. 

Around the world, farmers and their communities face poverty, inequality, inhumane working conditions and even risks to their lives – all in an effort to provide our everyday essential items. However, Fairtrade certification can help lift a farmer out of poverty or give a child an education. 

The Fairtrade Minimum Price helps producers achieve financial security and obtain more power at the negotiating table, making them less vulnerable to poverty. The Fairtrade Premium enables farmers to invest in strengthening their businesses, improving their local communities and their future. Fairtrade Standards also regulate substances used in farming, including pesticides and other chemicals, while waste management is a vital concern in the mission to care for the natural world.

When you purchase products with the Fairtrade Mark, you’re helping eradicate global issues – straight from your trolley. It has never been easier to make the switch to Fairtrade products, with a growing number of Australian and multinational businesses receiving their Fairtrade certification (even Ben and Jerry’s). Next time you shop, shop Fairtrade. 

Choose a world where women are respected. 

Choose a world where the environment is taken care of.

Choose a world where everyone is treated fairly.

Choose Fairtrade.

For more information see the following:

Flyer with Facts and Figures  What-Is-Fairtrade-AU.pdf (fairtradeanz.org)

Short Explanatory Clip - What Is Fairtrade? - YouTube

Zachary Sullivan

Year 11 Student - Social Justice Action Group (SJAG)

Cry of the Earth Cry of the Poor

Each year the Australian Catholic Bishops release a Social Justice Statement in August.  This year’s statement (2021-22) is called Cry of the Earth Cry of the Poor and can be accessed here - Social-Justice-Statement-2021-22.pdf (catholic.org.au).

The title comes from Laudato si’ (the second encyclical from Pope Francis) and states that “we human beings need a change of heart, mind, and behaviour”. It draws from Scripture, from the theological tradition, from Catholic Social Teaching, and from the wisdom of the world, including the insights of the First Nations.  It encourages the whole Catholic community to take up Pope Francis’s seven-year challenge to ecological sustainability.

I commend this document to you and implore you watch this space as there is more to come.  Here is a prayer that goes with the statement that you may wish to use.

Lord, when we listen with your ears we hear:

the bush grown more silent,

the birdsong less vibrant,

the stream’s sluggish ripple.

Have mercy and open our ears.

Lord, when we look with your eyes we see:

the soil depleted,

the sky smudged,

the oceans rubbished and the great currents slowed.

Have mercy and help us to see.

Lord, when we look with your eyes we see:

the workers who struggle to get by,

the women subjected to violence,

the people who are excluded.

Have mercy and help us to see.

Lord, when we listen with your ears we hear:

the sound of hungry children,

the distress of the mentally ill,

the silent pain of homeless women and men.

Have mercy and open our ears.

Send your Spirit upon us Lord to renew our sight,

to restore our hearing, 

and to reclaim your reign of justice for all people 

and peace for creation.

Amen.

Gillian Daley

Director of Identity