Fair Trade Ministry

---

What is Fair Trade?
Fair trade supports small-scale farmers by providing equal-trade opportunities that enrich the communities in which they live. Lutheran World Relief collaborates with Equal Exchange to support small farmers across the globe. 
​
How does the Fair Trade Store Work?
Fair trade items are available for purchase and/or order in the HTLC library next to the Gathering Place. The items will be “marked up” a small amount to cover shipping, processing fees, and supplies. Whatever we collect beyond these expenses will be allocated to fund our other outreach ministries, like the food pantry, for example. The decision will be made at the end of each fiscal year by the Council.

Fair Trade
​Martin Luther taught that the Fifth Commandment (You shall not murder) means: “We are to fear and love God, so that we neither endanger nor harm the lives of our neighbors, but instead help and support them in all of life's needs.”  In similar fashion, Luther taught that obeying the commandment “You shall not steal” means that “We are to fear and love God, so that we neither take our neighbors' money or property nor acquire them by using shoddy merchandise or crooked deals, but instead help them to improve and protect their property and income.” 

Luther was saying that simply doing no harm to our neighbor was not enough. We are also called, in the name of divine love and grace, to work to make our neighbor’s lives better. That is why we are expanding our outreach ministry here at Holy Trinity to include the sale of fair trade items. First, it is to “help and support” our brothers and sisters around the world “in all life’s needs.” Second, it is to help to make sure that when we buy goods that we do so in a way that helps these brothers and sisters “to improve and protect their property and income.”

Why Fair Trade?

• Fair Trade products assure that small-scale farmers have been given a fair and dependable price for their crops on the world market.
• Farmers gain greater access to credit that helps in creating a more sustainable livelihood. And democratically run organizations give farmers a stronger voice to negotiate fair prices.
• Through Fair Trade, child labor and forced labor policies are followed, assuring children the opportunity to pursue education for a stronger future.
• Farmer associations reinvest social premiums from Fair Trade products in their communities through projects such as clean water systems, health clinics, expanding schools.
• Fair Trade encourages more ecologically sustainable farming practices, which not only takes care of God's creation but also ensures that the farmers' land will be rich and fruitful for generations to come.
• Fair Trade delivers high-quality coffee and chocolate that reflect your faith and how you live in community with all God's children. Whether enjoyed at home, at church or as a gift for a loved one, Fair Trade is faithful stewardship for all of God's creation.