Heading off to Cologne

Well, here we go. In a few hours, Emily and I will be on our way to Cologne. Some of the members of our coalition are already in Germany. They've seen the Condoms4Life ads in the Metro stations and say they look great! You can check them out at www.condoms4life.org

I'm so excited to be working with a group of smart, fun and dedicated young people. I think that together we'll be able to accomplish so much. This is a great opportunity to talk about HIV/AIDS, contraception, women's rights, gay rights, sexual health and reproductive rights issues. We have a lot to say and it's time for the church to listen.

I'm also looking forward to meeting other pilgrims from around the world and learning about young people's experiences. This is such a great opportunity to make friends from all over the world and to really learn about each other and build relationships for the future.

I just finished an interview with ABCNews.com. I know that Tobias has been doing interviews as well, including challenging the head of Catholic World Youth Day on German television this morning. Look for coverage in the weeks ahead, it's going to be exciting.

Keep checking this blog. You won't want to miss what's coming next.

World Youth Day 4 All

International Coalition of Progressive Youth
to Attend Catholic World Youth Day in Cologne

COLOGNE, GERMANY—On the eve of the 20^th Catholic World Youth Day, concerned young people from around the globe will gather in Cologne to address the Vatican’s opposition to condom use to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS.

World Youth Day 4 All (www.wyd4all.org) is an international youth coalition dedicated to promoting church reform, sexual and reproductive health and rights and youth activism. WYD4All will be in Cologne for the duration of Catholic World Youth Day (16-21 August) in support of these issues and of the Condoms4Life campaign, which raises public awareness about the devastating effect of the bishops’ ban on condoms. The Condoms4Life ad campaign and informational brochure can be found at www.condoms4life.org.

Dozens of youth between the ages of 18-30 from countries ranging from Ghana to Portugal to the United States to Bolivia will take part in Catholic World Youth Day to bring forward their message that the Vatican’s position on condoms directly affects their health and their lives. Throughout the week, WYD4All will educate other young people in Cologne about the worldwide AIDS pandemic, the tragic loss of life in their countries and the importance of advocating for the leaders of the church to change church policy.