Issues around International Trade
Hear this, you who trample upon the needy, and bring the poor of the land to an end, saying, "When will the new moon be over, that we may sell grain? And the sabbath, that we may offer what for sale, that we may make the ephah small and the shekel great, and deal deceitfully with false balances, that we may buy the poor for silver and the needy for a pair of sandals, and sell the refuse of the wheat? Amos 8:4-6
Trade is an ancient human acitivity and has the potential to offer many benefits to those who take part in it. As the passage from Amos articulates; however, unfair forms of trade can oppress the poor and run counter to the commandments to love your neighbour. And in our time, the rules and practices of trade often aren’t fair. As Christians, we need to learn as much as we can about the situation, and work for justice in trading relationships.
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Introduction to Trade Issues |
Praying & Preaching on Trade Issues |
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Trade is a complex area, and there are many disagreements as to how it can be made to work for the poor. The one thing everyone agrees is that much improvement is needed to make it do so. |
"I dare to pray: Lord, let the rules be changed, for I long to see trade bring justice to the poor. . . . " (Peter Graystone, Christian Aid) Some resources for praying and preaching . . . . more>> |
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| Campaigns about Trade Issues | What Can I/My Church Do? | |||
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Find out more about the Trade Justice Movement, the campaigns of its constituent members, and trade campaigns in other parts of the world more>> |
Pray, study the theology of trade, find out how trade affects your church partners, lobby your MP . . . some suggestions for prayer and action more>> |
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| Resources | More Information | |||
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Some downloadable resources on trade issues more>> |
Where to go to find out more about trade more >> |