Transforming Lives: London Fairtrade Conference

27/01/10

John L. Bell of the Iona Community was the main speaker at the London Fairtrade Diocese Campaign’s 'Transforming Lives' conference at St Stephen's Westbourne Park.

Weaving between facts, stories and theological reflections, peppered with his wonderful sense of humour, John spoke of the love of God in relation to global trade and global warming. He addressed the dis-connect we sometimes make between the Gospel we preach and hear and the lives we lead, acknowledging the transforming effect of the Gospel on our lives when we become engaged in some of the struggles to further the coming of the Kingdom.

He suggested that the C21 may be characterized as the ‘age of entitlement’. We relentlessly consume the earth’s resources without questioning whether the planet is able to afford the cheapness that we have come to expect. In this modern society we have instant access to knowledge but not necessarily the wisdom to act upon it.

John also led a song session and a closing liturgy to model ways of bringing these issues into the prayer and worship of our churches. (See Harvesting the World WGRG Liturgy Booklet no.10 at www.wgrg.co.uk.)

John said of the day:

"I love these kinds of gatherings where people meet with a passion for more than their own opinion, and where you feel that something is happening to enable God’s kingdom to be more clearly discerned."

A refreshingly new approach from the younger generation of Fairtrade campaigners was demonstrated by the brilliant performance poet Catherine Brogan.

Barbara Crowther from The Fairtrade Foundation inspired delegates in preparation for Fairtrade Fortnight while Sophi Tranchell, Managing Director of Divine Chocolate and Alex Georgiou form Cafedirect spoke of the impact that Fairtrade has on the lives of the producers and the role that the churches have played in the success of Fairtrade.

The Revd Jeremy Allcock, vicar of St Stephen’s said:

"St Stephen's, Westbourne Park were delighted to be able to host the London Diocesan Fairtrade Campaign Conference. It was an extremely positive and enjoyable day.

"Delegates represented a wide variety of parishes from right across the diocese. It is helpful to be reminded of the power which can be generated by a concerted and co-ordinated desire to bring about change.

"My only disappointment is that more parishes do not actively promote Fairtrade. It is a simple but profoundly effective way of alleviating poverty, and promoting economic and social justice."

The Conference was reminded that to reach Fairtrade Diocese status only another 47 churches in London need to be using Fairtrade tea and coffee and 25% of the participating churches need to apply for a Fairtrade Church certificate.

For a transcript of John Bell’s talk see http://fairtrade.london.anglican.org and
Cafedirect blog: http://brewing.cafedirect.co.uk/2010/01/25/we%e2%80%99ve-come-a-long-way-since-campaign-coffee/.