The Catholic bishops of Massachusetts have dropped their opposition to “domestic-partnership” legislation, in public testimony that left gay-rights campaigners pleasantly surprised, and conservative groups shocked by the bishops’ apparent capitulation. Bishop Daniel Reilly of Worcester, speaking on behalf of all the Massachusetts bishops, said at a public hearing in Boston that the bishops would continue to oppose any move to grant legal recognition for same-sex “marriage.” But he added: “If the goal is to look at individual benefits and determine who should be eligible beyond spouses, then we will join the discussion.”