(Camden, NJ) Parishioners of various parishes gathered on Saturday, April 4th, 2009, for the first Social Justice Regional Fair in the Diocese of Camden. Attendees varied in age and other demographics, but were brought together by an interest in social justice and fair trade. The CRS Committee-Project ONE Global (Catholic Charities) and Romero Center Ministries organized this event for the opportunity to engage people in active ways that they can live their faith and be in solidarity with our brothers and sisters throughout the world.

Fair trade is a model of international trade that builds relationships that respect dignity, promote economic justice and cultivate global solidarity. The Fair Trade model eliminates powerful intermediaries and gives producers direct access to the market earn a fair price for their labor, get access to credit and training and develop mutually beneficial long-term relationships with organizations dedicated to the principles of human dignity and economic justice.
Monsignor Joe Ciampaglio, of the Catholic Relief Services Global Fellows Program, spoke of the realities and economic injustices that many people in the developing world face. Msgr Joe relayed the benefits of fair trade that he saw first-hand in his travels as a CRS Global Fellow in communities and individuals' lives throughout the world. Msgr Joe offered practical ways in which parishioners could become involved in fair trade and social justice in their parishes, schools and organizations. This was followed by more information on the Diocese of Camden, as told by Bill and Jeannie Harden of Holy Saviour Parish, Mike Giansiracusa of the Romero Center Ministries, and the Office of Youth, Young Adult and Campus Ministries.

After the speaking portion of the event, beautiful fair trade goods were offered for sale at this event from fair trade organizations, such as Ten Thousand Villages (Philadelphia), People of Hope (El Salvador) and SERRV International. Partners for the event included various groups and Diocesan offices, such as the Camden Center for Transformation, Catholic Charities, CRS Global Fellows Program, Office of Lay Ministry Formation, Office of Social Justice Ministry, Office of Youth, Young Adult and Campus Ministry, Romero Center Ministries, and the Sacred Heart Parish.

Social Justice Regional Fairs are being planned for this Summer and next Fall in the Diocese of Camden. These fairs promote the fair trade initiative of the CRS Committee and offer a concrete way for parishioners to act in solidarity with others around the world. For more information on these events, fair trade or help in setting up a sale at your parish or school, visit the CRS Committee website, or contact us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

The Catholic Relief Services (CRS) Committee-Project ONE Global is a local, Catholic, body committed to a just faith. The committee seeks to empower persons and people, though many throughout the earth, to be one body in one Lord by providing opportunities for service, education and reflection to foster global solidarity. For more information on the committee and its initiatives, visit www.CatholicCharitiesCamden.org.