Clerical Stoles are selling like hot cakes

With the launch of the new online store and Liz hosting a stall at the Methodist Conference in Portsmouth, the Clerical Stoles been selling fast and we are overjoyed.

In Mozambique The Women's Limanyano of the Methodist church work together to sew the Stoles into form. Pedro Langa, an artist based in Maputo, Mozambique, hand paints them with beautiful iconic symbols.

There are stoles in various Liturgical colours with wonderful batik patterns and symbols; some of the stoles are decorated with symbols of cultural significance. Symbols such as the Mackerel - a food of necessity - and the ceremonious African drums, describe various aspects of the challenging life faced by people in Mozambique, and are truly a work of art. The result is an item of clergy-wear which is not only made with fair trade principles, but which also expresses a powerful symbol of culture, strength, and support to those that witness its use in celebration. Each Story stole comes complete with a description of the paintings and their meanings, so that stole owners can discuss the hardships of life in Mozambique, and how a helping hand can be given through trading fairly.

Having an online store gives us the opportunity to make this exciting clergy-wear available to a wider audience; Searching Fairtrade Clerical Stoles brings people to our online store, and people from all over the world can browse, though the delivery system is currently organised for UK sales.

With only half the original stock remaining, we are making preparations to have more stoles made. I for one cannot wait to see more of Pedro's colourful work arrive at Rainbow Turtle's doorstep.