Protest letter not by bishop

A letter to the editor published on Friday about a priest's protest against Israel was not from the Catholic Bishop of Auckland, Patrick Dunn, as stated.

The letter came in his name and bore the Catholic Church's communications office email address with correct identifying particulars but was false.

Bishop Dunn said yesterday: "While I am deeply concerned at the conflict in Gaza and the sufferings of both Palestinians and Israelis, the letter published in your Readers' Forum columns last Friday in my name did not come from me. It is of concern that some person or group has sent this fraudulent letter and we are taking steps to identify the sender."

The Herald apologises to Bishop Dunn for the publication of the letter.