(New Zealand) Bishops endorse civil unions stand by Pope Francis Pope Francis was widely quoted this week supporting same-sex civil unions –– which have been available in Aotearoa New Zealand since 26 April 2005. This is a comment on the pope's statement by Bishop Patrick Dunn, Bishop of Auckland and President of the NZ Catholic Bishops’ Conference: “I endorse the reported comments of Pope Francis. I know that he is anxious for LGBTQ people to know that they are valued members of the family of the Church as they are of their own families. We want their happiness, and for...