Mennonite
Central
Committee

Interfaith Working Group on Trade and Investment

A Washington-based working group with representatives from a range of faith-based organizations committed to asserting a stronger presence of communities of faith in public policy discussions on international trade and investment.

October 16, 2001

Dear Member of Congress:

We write as religious institutions and faith-based organizations to ask that you oppose legislation granting "fast track" Trade Promotion Authority (H.R. 3005).

As religious organizations with global relationships and concerns, we affirm the importance of international trade in an interdependent world. Our concern is for the character and quality of global economic relationships. In an age of increasing economic integration and interdependence between the nations and peoples of the world, mounting global inequities have come into sharp focus.

H.R. 3005 does not address in a meaningful way concerns about the negative effects of major trade agreements on vulnerable communities and the environment, both in the United States and in developing countries. Furthermore, "fast track" legislation diminishes congressional involvement in shaping trade agreements, thereby undermining democratic debate and reducing the opportunity for citizen input on trade policies.

In "An Interfaith Statement on International Trade and Investment" (enclosed) we express our conviction that moral principles rooted in our diverse traditions can provide guidance in developing more just international trade and investment policies. These are:

• International trade and investment systems should respect and support the dignity of the human person, the integrity of creation, and our common humanity.
• International trade and investment activities should advance the common good and be evaluated in the light of their impact on those who are most vulnerable.
• International trade and investment policies and decisions should be transparent and should involve the meaningful participation of the most vulnerable stakeholders.
• International trade and investment systems should respect the legitimate role of government, in collaboration with civil society, to set policies regarding the development and welfare of its people.
• International trade and investment systems should safeguard the global commons and respect the right of local communities to protect and sustainably develop their natural resources.

We believe that "fast track" trade promotion authority, as expressed in H.R. 3005, falls short when evaluated in light of these moral principles. It seriously curtails "transparency" and "stakeholder participation" in formulating trade policies. And it facilitates trade policies that often undermine "the common good" and harm "the most vulnerable" members of the human community. H.R. 3005 fails to ensure that trade and investment agreements will be negotiated in ways that advance the goal of a more just, sustainable, and prosperous human society. For this reason we ask you to oppose this controversial and divisive legislation.

IWGTI c/o:
1225 Otis Street, NE, Washington, DC 20017
Tel: 202.635.2757 ext. 134
Fax: 202.832.9494

The following is a list of organizational members who have endorsed this statement:

J. Daryl Byler
Director
Washington Office
MCC U.S.

Rita Clark
Nicaragua-U.S. Friendship Office

Marie Clarke
National Coordinator
Jubilee USA Network

Marilyn Clement
Economic Justice Office, Women’s Division
General Board of Global Ministries
United Methodist Church

Marie Dennis
Director
Maryknoll Office for Global Concerns

Rev. Bob Edgar
General Secretary
National Council of Churches of Christ in the USA

Rev. Seamus P. Finn, OMI
Director
Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation Office
Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate

Larry J. Goodwin
Associate Director for Organizing
Africa Faith and Justice Network

Jaydee R. Hanson
Assistant General Secretary
General Board of Church and Society
United Methodist Church

James E. Hug, S.J.
President
Center of Concern

Rev. Douglas Hunt
Washington Representative
Network for Environmental and Economic Responsibility
United Church of Christ

Rev. Elenora Giddings Ivory
Director
Washington Office
Presbyterian Church (USA)

The Rev. Dr. Wallace Ryan Kuroiwa
Justice and Witness Ministries
United Church of Christ

James H. Matlack
Director
Washington Office
American Friends Service Committee

Rev. John L. McCullough
Executive Director
Church World Service

Ann Oestreich, IHM
Congregational Justice Committee
Sisters of the Holy Cross

Maureen Heffern Ponicki
Democratizing the Global Economy Project
American Friends Service Committee

Marc Rittle
Legislative Associate
Washington Office
Church of the Brethren

Susan Thompson
Associate for Latin America
Columban Fathers Justice and Peace Office

Kathy Thornton, RSM
National Coordinator
NETWORK, A National Catholic Social Justice Lobby

Mary Turgi, CSC
International Justice Office
Sisters of the Holy Cross