bedminsterchurches.net | Campaign for Trade Justice

Campaign for Trade Justice

Half the world's population are living in poverty. And the gap between rich and poor is getting wider. The global trading system lies at the heart of this inequality.

Christian Aid is campaigning for trade justice with the rules weighted in favour of poor people. Your role is vital. Read more about this important subject by clicking here, and read Christian Aid's explanation of the theology of Trade Justice here.

Demonstrating for Trade Justice

Getting involved in the Global Week of Action
A global week of action to highlight and tackle the issue of trade justice took place between 10-16 April 2005. Several members of the parish joined the Trade Justice Movement's All Night Vigil in Central London from 10 pm on Friday 15 April until 8 am on Saturday 16 April 2005.

Some 25,000 people attended the processions (at 11pm and 6.30am) and vigil (at 4.30am) taking place in Whitehall. A very powerful occasion. Probably one of the most memorable moments was the minute's silence at midnight in Whitehall - when things went from a wild frenzy of noise, whistles and chanting to absolute silence.

Moira Broadway writes:
Wonderful to be part of the Trade Justice Vigil in Whitehall on Friday night. About 25,000 people were there (more than expected) which led to a night of queuing for crowded cafes and venues providing entertainment and much walking to keep warm. Perhaps that's a good reminder of how the world is all the time for large numbers of people. A memory to treasure: the way a vast, noisy crowd fell silent at midnight for two minutes - really moving. To others who went - thanks for your company and many thanks to the organisers.

Thanks to Steve Broadway from St Aldhelm's for the pictures.

Part of a human 'white band' around Parliamentary Square	People from the parish of Bedminster make their presence felt
A minute's silence at midnight. A profound moment for everyone.	The vigil in Whitehall
Processing past Westminster Abbey at 6.30am	The procession passes the London Eye

Make Poverty History

Make Poverty History is a huge coalition of almost 100 organisations, including Oxfam, launched as a massive, concerted effort to end world poverty. Visit the Make Poverty History website.

Make Trade Fair Oxfam's campaign for trade justice

Colin Firth drenched in coffee, Alanis Morissette buried in wheat, Michael Stipe covered in milk. They and many of the world's biggest stars have been dumped on in support of Oxfam's campaign to make trade fair.

These incredible images illustrate a story. A story about how poor farmers are being 'dumped on' every day by rich countries and rich companies and about how you can change this by joining the Big Noise petition to make trade fair. If we all join together and make a big enough noise politicians and corporate bosses will have to listen.

Making a difference

White bands

Trade Justice

Trade Justice rally, Brighton 2004 The 2004 trade justice event in Brighton targeted the UK government through their annual Labour Party Conference. It was a crucial opportunity to build momentum for trade justice in the run-up to 2005, when the UK will be in a unique and powerful position on the international stage.

As host to the G8 summit of industrialised countries and holder of the EU presidency (from July to December 2005), the UK government has a real chance to make a difference to world poverty � and we want to make sure they don't waste it.

2005 also marks the 20th anniversary of Live Aid and Tony Blair has already established a new commission for Africa.

It's going to be a big year for the UK, and the world, and the event in Brighton is a perfect opportunity to kick-off the action.

What was happening?
International speakers, celebrities and a host of other activities, including a church service for inspiration and reflection.

This was also the official launch of the Trade Justice Movement's major new campaign action: Vote for Trade Justice. Cast your vote online now!

For more information on the Trade Justice Campaign, visit the Christian Aid website.

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