PURE was originally established in 2002 through students at City Life Church to campaign in and around Southampton for Fairtrade and a variety of justice issues. We felt the challenge of God from the book of Micah to "Act Justly, Love Mercy and walk humbly before God" Micah 6:8, and therefore wanted to do something about issues of social justice in society, to aim to have a larger effect through coming together and empowering, educating and challenging others than we could have as individuals.

In 2003 a society was set up at the University of Southampton to campaign on these issues and to work with the University to see Fairtrade products made available. PURE was heavily involved with the Fairtrade City Group and in 2004 helped them to achieve Fairtrade City status. Spurred on from this achievement and with continued hard work and campaigning in March 2006 the University achieved Fairtrade status accredited by the Fairtrade Foundation. PURE continued to work with the University to establish a steering group to oversee Fairtrade policies at the University and with this done, it was decided in April 2007 to close down the University group.

As this was the major part of PURE at the time, PURE has effectively ceased its activities and currently serves within City Life church to highlight justice and environmental issues to members of the church congregation.

Watch this space, however, as PURE may branch out into more public arenas once again in the future!

PURE - Promoting a Universal Rights Ethos