Congratulations to the Margaret Beaufort Institute of Theology, which has just achieved Fairtrade status.
We have received the following article from the Institute, explaining why Fairtrade is important to them, and how they support Fairtrade:
The Margaret Beaufort Institute of Theology is an academic institution that works within the Roman Catholic Church and its principle of human flourishing through God’s grace. We set out to offer transforming experiences for women, the community and the Church through theological education, professional pastoral experience and personal formation, assisting women to discern God’s call and preparing them for lay ministries and Christian discipleship in today’s world.
We see the promotion of Fairtrade within and without the Institute as consistent with our principles and practice as Christians.
As part of the process of accreditation we set about raising awareness about Fairtrade by setting up a committee representing all stakeholders – students, academic and housekeeping staff and House residents. Meetings were held with new students and residents from other parts of the university, many from overseas where the Fairtrade concept was often unfamiliar, and information about where to buy Fairtrade goods locally was supplied.
We supported Fairtrade fortnight last year, decorating fairly traded cotton bunting to adorn the common room and encouraged active participation in the Take a Step campaign this year. Our regular use of fairly traded refreshments was made more obvious with the use of the Fairtrade logo and extra fairly traded household items are gradually being introduced into the House.
Each term we try to remind everyone to use Fairtrade ingredients by holding a competition on a community supper night to see how many fairly traded ingredients can be used in a supper dish- with Fairtrade prizes naturally! Fairly traded altar wine will be used when next we order a supply
Our members are taking the campaign outside the Institute, querying the provenance of wines and fruit juices at university occasions and follow this up with information on those available from Fairtrade sources and are asking in local cafes and shops about the Fairtrade items available.
We are delighted to have achieved Fairtrade status and hope to continue to keep its profile high with each new intake of students.











