As Christians we believe that every person has equal worth and equal rights. To exploit someone, no matter the reason, is wrong. We know we are called to treat others as we ourselves would like to be treated (Luke 6:31; Luke 10:27; Matthew 7:12). The bible even specifically tells us that God hates unequal weights and measures (Lev 19:35-36; Deut 25:13-15; Prov 11:1, 20:10), which refers to the method of trading at the time.

Most people in the Third World could earn a living for themselves and their families if they were given a fair chance. Too often they are denied that opportunity by unjust trading systems that benefit us and not them. Trade barriers, Third World debt and exploitative middlemen keep the poorest workers trapped in their poverty. Today, over a billion people live on less than a dollar a day, and half the world's population are living on less than two dollars a day.

Fairtrade is one way of fighting poverty. It makes it possible to shop with a difference and make a direct impact on the lives and well being of Third World producers. For more information on fairtrade, visit the Fairtrade Foundation website or see what PURE (a City Life project) are doing about Fairtrade and other justice issues.