Sydney, Australia, Jul 31, 2007 / 09:02 am
Catholic Church officials said they will not cooperate with a safe-sex campaign directed at the 500,000 pilgrims expected to attend World Youth Day in Sydney next year, reported The Sydney Morning Herald.
The NSW (New South Wales) Department of Health has run safe-sex campaigns, including information on HIV and sexually transmittable diseases, for the Sydney Olympics in 2000, the Gay Games and the annual Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras.
But the Church has refused to promote a campaign that contradicts its teachings on sex and contraception. The Church said it encourages young people to have a high level of self-esteem and respect for their bodies, sexuality, relationships, marriage and family life. It also pointed to the "extraordinary low level of indiscretion" at previous World Youth Days.
A spokesman for the Health Minister, Reba Meagher, told The Sydney Morning Herald that a fact sheet was being prepared containing various health messages.
However, her department would say only that it was working closely with the organizers of WYD 2008 regarding the logistics for health care for pilgrims.
Subscribe to our daily newsletter
At Catholic News Agency, our team is committed to reporting the truth with courage, integrity, and fidelity to our faith. We provide news about the Church and the world, as seen through the teachings of the Catholic Church. When you subscribe to the CNA UPDATE, we'll send you a daily email with links to the news you need and, occasionally, breaking news.
As part of this free service you may receive occasional offers from us at EWTN News and EWTN. We won't rent or sell your information, and you can unsubscribe at any time.
Click hereOur mission is the truth. Join us!
Your monthly donation will help our team continue reporting the truth, with fairness, integrity, and fidelity to Jesus Christ and his Church.
Donate to CNA