CRS advances human dignity in developing countries through its support of the ethical trade system of exchange. CRS promotes the fair exchange of value through CRS Ethical Trade (previously CRS Fair Trade), which joins producer, buyer and consumer in a mutually respectful relationship of economic justice. Its model is Jesus, Himself a worker who provided for His family by His labor and left us the perfect example of the dignity of work.
Ethical Trade is a system of exchange that puts people first, and that honors and respects producers, consumers, communities and the environment. It insists that people along every step of the supply chain receive ethical wages, that workers and communities are treated with dignity so growers’ and artisans’ businesses can thrive and grow, and that preserving the environment is made a priority.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What principles of Catholic Social Teaching (or CST) apply this work?
The animating principles of CST are:
- promoting the human dignity of workers
- supporting subsidiarity through use of the cooperative system
- advancing respect for creation by use of sustainable methods of production
- exercising the preferential option for the poor by elevating human dignity over pure profit as a principle of just trading relationships.
