World Youth Day Sydney 2008 (WYD08) pilgrims and Sydneysiders are encouraged to attend a selection of free forums and workshops taking place throughout Sydney during the WYD08 week, 15 - 20 July.

As part of WYD08's Youth Festival, various forums tackling issues from social justice and women's rights to interfaith dialogue and sexuality will guarantee to engage and inspire all participants.

"World Youth Day is a celebration, and exploration of young people and faith," said Bishop Anthony Fisher OP, WYD08 Coordinator.

"This is a time for the youth of the world to come together and discuss the critical challenges and issues facing society today."

A major focus is the Vocations Expo in Hall 1 of the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre, where over 100 catholic movements, groups and associations will be providing information on vocations and religious life. The Expo is open all week.

The forums and workshops are hosted by communities and groups from around the world. Some highlights are listed below.

Forums

- All Creation Groans: The Debate over Creation and Evolution

Presented by the Archbishop of Vienna Cardinal Christopher Schönborn OP

5.15pm - 6pm Wednesday 16 July; Great Hall, Sydney University

- Alice to the Apology: the journey of Australian Indigenous spirituality in the Catholic Church, facilitated by Australian journalist Ray Martin.

A panel and audience discussion featuring the Bishop of Broome/Kimberley and representatives from Caritas Torres Strait, Catholic Education Office Maitland NSW, NATSICC and Aboriginal Catholic Ministry QLD.

8pm - 10pm Wednesday 16 July; State Theatre, Market Street, Sydney

- God, Sex, and the Meaning of Life: An introduction to John Paul II's Theology of the Body

Presented by Christopher West from the Theology of the Body Institute Philadelphia, USA.

8pm - 10pm Wednesday 16 July; Bayside Auditorium, Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre, Darling Harbour

- Human Trafficking - a global concern, presented by Australian Catholic Religious against the Trafficking of Humans

8pm - 9.30pm Wednesday 16 July; Parkside 110A, Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre, Darling Harbour

- Engaging with Mental Health and Homelessness in a Youth context, presented by The Society of St Vincent de Paul

4.30pm - 6.30pm Wednesday 16 July; Parkside 110A, Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre, Darling Harbour

- Australians all face to face and faith to faith: multi-faith communities heading in the right direction

Presented by Archbishop Michael Fitzgerald, Apostolic Nuncio to Egypt, with key responses from Australian Jewish, Islamic, Buddhist and Hindu leaders and community groups.

8pm - 10pm Thursday 17 July; Bayside Auditorium, Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre, Darling Harbour

- Earthcare: Caring for creation, presented by Catholic Earthcare

A forum featuring representatives from Catholic Earthcare Australia, Australian Youth Climate Coalition, Environmental Law Centre in PNG and music by Soul Band.

8pm - 10pm Friday 18 July; State Theatre, Market Street Sydney

- Get Real: A forum of the objectification of women, presented by Women's Forum Australia

Featuring Selena Ewing (researcher and author of Faking It magazine), Melinda Tankard Reist (editor of Faking It, author and commentator on women's issues)

8pm - 10pm Friday 18 July; Bayside Auditorium, Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre Bay

Workshops

- Witness through action: Young people and the Millennium Development Goals, presented by Caritas Australia. Think globally about social justice and the demands of human dignity.

2pm - 4pm Tuesday 15 July; Customs House, Circular Quay

- Historical Apologetics and Catholic Urban Legends: History and Humour from the Crusades to The Da Vinci Code

Dean Mischewski sets the record straight over a number of historical issues that Catholics may face when discussing their faith with secular friends.

7.30pm - 9.30pm Thursday 17 July; Notre Dame Campus, Darlinghurst

- Sam Clear in conversation, presented by Magis08

On 14 December 2006 Sam Clear set out on a 29,000 km trek around the world for Christian unity. He discusses his year long pilgrimage including how he was mocked and stoned by disgruntled people along the way.

8pm - 9.30pm Thursday 17 July; St Aloysius' College, Milsons Point

All forums and workshops are free for all to attend, however in some cases booking in advance is required as spaces at some venues are limited.

The complete program of forums and workshops is listed in the Youth Festival guide, available on the WYD08 website: www.wyd2008.org/youthfestival

Only 18 days to go to WYD08!