We did it. We brought the message they thought they could ban to the pilgrims of WYD and the people of Madrid –good Catholics use condoms and condoms save lives. It was a great adventure for us all, and an amazing experience that none of us will ever forget.
After the local authorities censored our ads, we beamed them onto walls outside the archbishop’s residence; onto the offices of Publimedia—who accepted and then rejected our ads for buses and bus shelters; and also onto the office of city council member Ana Botella who was reported to be behind the decision to ban the ad. I think they got the message that we were not going to be silenced. Madrilenos, the hundreds of thousands of pilgrims who attended the festival and the world certainly noticed.
We were all over the media—local, national and international—and our projections were beamed around the world. We gave away tons of information.
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Thank You for Taking a Stand in Madrid. You’re doing a great thing. We can make progress, if we stick to a message of love. Keep things peaceful, and good luck. My prayers go with you. The Church’s oppression of women has to end.
Love and blessings.
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More new friends!
There was an important moment for prochoice politicians across the globe yesterday during the World Youth Day festivities in Madrid. Pope Benedict, on his third visit to the country, made his customary visit to the local head of state and met with Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero. You may remember that Zapatero has riled the Catholic hierarchy several times since he came to power in because of his position on many social issues. He favors a greater separation between church and state, and on the pope’s last visit, Zapatero caused consternation when he declined to attend an open-air Mass. Since coming to power in 2004, he has pushed through a liberalization of both the abortion and divorce laws as well as laws that permit gay marriage and adoption by gay couples. At the time, the latter was described as “the worst thing to happen to the Catholic Church in 2000 years,” by the Spanish bishops’ conference.
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Hi there, World Youth Day 4 All Coalition!
I just wanted to send you all a quick note saying how much I admire you all for doing this. It takes a lot of guts to stand up to the powers that be, especially when you are initially censored from doing so. Best of luck to you as you continue to advocate for the health and safety of Catholics and non-Catholics worldwide.
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“¡Hola chavas y chavos! Felicidades por todo el trabajo realizado hasta ahora, y que sigan disfrutando de muchos exitos y de su tiempo en Espana. Fuerza y ánimo, chic@s!!!!!!!!! ¡Jamas duden de que USTEDES TIENEN TODA LA RAZON!”
More outreach!
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OK it’s 35 degrees Celsius (or more) and not everyone agrees with your message. But day by day you message is getting out to more and more people. Media attention – you’re certainly getting this!
So don’t give up now, go on, make a lasting impression!
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Keep up the good work!
“All power to these courageous, creative people. Condoms are cool and save lives. A condom in every pocket! Warm wishes and have a blast in Madrid. With respect and high hopes for your safety and success.”
Women’s Alliance for Theology, Ethics and Ritual (WATER)
