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We serve Justice Coffee
As incredible as it may seem, coffee is the second most heavily traded
commodity in the world after oil. And although the U.S. represents only
about one-twentieth of the world's population, we drink at least one-fifth
of the world's coffee! Our purchasing decisions can have an impact!
By buying and serving justice coffee - fairly-traded, shade-grown, and
organic - this common symbol of fellowship is a way of caring for
coffee farmers in Central America, for our migratory birds, and for the
earth.
Nine families have contributed to sponsor our Justice Coffee.
The only question you have to ask yourself is "Is it
fair?" ... If it's not, then you have to ask yourself, "Is
there anything I can do about it?" If the answer is yes, then you
better do it. Otherwise what's the sense of having a conscience?
From "Brewing
Justice: Churches Apply the Bible to the Bean" by Darren Foster
By serving Fair Trade coffee at your place of worship, you can share
fellowship with our neighbors in coffee-growing countries, making a
difference in their lives while enjoying a delicious cup of coffee.
Through the program, farmers earn a fair price for their products, receive
affordable credit, and gain a long-term trading partner that they can
trust. By pooling their resources in democratic cooperatives, farmers are
able to invest in training, health care, and agricultural improvements in
their communities. Every cup you serve helps these farmers as they build
better lives for themselves and their families.
(From Equal Exchange website)
For more information . . .
Your coffee could help save habitat for migratory birds! What does coffee
have to do with birds? Plenty! In the mid-elevations
of Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, and Colombia, most of
the forests still standing are in traditional coffee plantations.
These provide the last refuge for birds that have lost their
habitat to the vast destruction of tropical forests. By purchasing coffee
that is grown in the shade, we help keep shade coffee economically viable
and preserve increasingly scarce habitat for our migratory neotropical
birds. Birds that we enjoy in the summer, such as the Ruby-throated
hummingbird, need winter homes in Central America!
For more information . . .
Buying organically-grown coffee will prevent pollution of the water in
the coffee-growing countries as well as helping protect the health of the
farmers by not using toxic chemicals.
Equal Exchange's Interfaith Coffee Program has formed a partnership
with the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR). They donate $2.50
to UMCOR for every case of coffee purchased by a United Methodist
congregation.
Some UMC Conferences have passed resolutions regarding the purchase of
Fair Trade coffee.
Here are some:
 | New York Conference
| East Ohio Conference
| New England Conference
| Northwest Texas Conference |
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University United Methodist Church
