WelCom November 2020
Commenting on the Pope’s remarks about same-sex civil unions, reported in the film Francesco, Bishop Patrick Dunn, Bishop of Auckland and President of the New Zealand Catholic Bishops’ Conference, said in a statement on October 24, 2020, ‘I endorse the reported comments of Pope Francis. I know he is anxious for LGBTQ people to know they are valued members of the family of the Church as they are of their own families. We want their happiness, and for them to know that they are loved.’ Same-sex civil unions have been available in Aotearoa New Zealand from April 26, 2005.