Iemma destroying Youth Day goodwill. A $5500 fine for annoying someone? I’ll continue to try and retain my goodwill for the individuals attending WYD2008. But I intend to make sure any visitors I chat to understand that not everyone may be happy about the sanitisation of Sydney that has taken place to make their stay free from “annoyance” — Catallaxy

Crossing the church/state divide. The Church in any secular society is always ill-advised if it needlessly antagonizes people in seeking privileged treatment from the authorities at the expense of others. — David Wall

Gay free zone. The Gay Catholic group Acceptance has been struggling to hold a forum on homosexuality during the week of Youth Day events and claim that the church’s position will isolate young gay Catholics. — Atheist Ramblings

On the flip side. It is easy for us northern hemisphere types to forget how far away Rome can feel in Oceania. This World Youth Day will be one of the smallest – but what it could mean to the Church on the flip side of the planet is beyond price. -– Intentional Disciples