Justice and Demonstration of Christian Principles: Why churchgoers support Fair Trade

From the outset, church support for Fair Trade has been encouraged by what Cloke et al. have termed the Fair Trade ‘evangelists.’ 1 These church-based Fair Trade activists have promoted the concept to their congregations, and to the wider community, in a vocal and determined manner. This article examines the motivation of Fair Trade ‘evangelists’ and how they articulate the connection between Fair Trade and their Christian faith. In the face of criticism and indifference, why do these individuals persist? Drawing on my research interviews with nineteen church-based Fair Trade activists, I identify two clear findings. Firstly, that the activists view support for Fair Trade as an integral part of the work for justice, and secondly, that the action that they carry out for Fair Trade provides an opportunity to demonstrate the outworking of core Christian principles. The activists position support for Fair Trade as central to their faith and view it as contributing to the fulfilment of the core mission of the church.

Prospective Liability Regimes for the Transboundary Movement of Hazardous Wastes

At the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) in Rio de Janeiro, governments decided to cooperate “in an expeditious and more determined manner” to develop international law regarding liability and compensation for transnational environmental damage. UNCED, however, did not decide whether this development should proceed broadly through codification of principles or rules encompassing all types of transnational environmental damage or more narrowly through the establishment of liability and compensation regimes tailored to specific issues of environmental damage.

Iron Age Britain retraced

At first glance it may seem an extravagance that two substantial books on the British Iron Age should make their appearance at virtually the same moment. On the contrary, except for the expense, this is a very fortunate accident that will oblige real enquirers in this field to formulate in a more determined manner than heretofore their own opinions, and working hypotheses. There is no question of abandoning one author for the other on all points: both must be read, and full weight given to the diversity of material evidence presented, and to the interpretations offered. This all contributes to a great stimulation of interest, of opportunity to clarify issues, and to see what next most needs to be done.