MPs in New Zealand are reacting to the Vatican's latest anti-gay document, which urges Catholic MPs to oppose any legislation granting rights to gay and lesbian couples, and repeal any existing laws. Labour MP Chris Carter says he cannot believe the Church is not concentrating on more important issues like poverty, child abuse and violence, and will immediately move to formalise his 30-year relationship once civil union legislation is passed. Tim Barnett is disappointed with the statement, but says it reflects the nature of most of the statements released by the Vatican, while United Future MP Gordon Copeland said he hoped all MPs would support the Vatican's call. There has been no reaction from the office of National leader Bill English, who is also Catholic and told Express in 2002 that he would support civil union legislation.