"Today in Australia we all live in a secular non discriminatory society. Churches and other spiritual institutions exist within this society. It seems to me that in a secular and non discriminatory society gay couples should be as free to marry as any other human couple. If people wish to be married within a religious or spiritual institution's framework then they should accept the rites and rules of that institution. However it is the state that legitimises all marriages."

Rev Bill Crews (Uniting Church Minister, Sydney)

"How can I, a heterosexual who's been very happily married for 50 years, tell anyone else they don't have the right to form a loving, committed, lifelong union and enjoy the fruits of marriage as I have done? Marriage is not a club to be restricted to some. Like the Gospel, it is a blessing to be shared."

Rev Dr Rowland Croucher, John Mark Ministries, Victoria

"When a couple want to be part of the institution of marriage, when they fully accept the same rights and responsibilities of marriage and treat marriage with the respect it deserves, why should they NOT get married? As a Christian minister, I believe that marriage is under threat from many angles, but also believe that recognizing same-sex unions will help return marriage to its rightful place in society."

Rev Matt Glover (Baptist Minister, Melbourne)

"As a follower of Jesus I believe in the principle of radical hospitality. This is at the heart of his message. All are welcome and all deserve the dignity due to them as human beings. I believe we express this through human rights and so access to marriage, a public expression of commitment and love, is an essential part of being human and an inalienable right. As a progressive Christian I understand that the bible must be interpreted in its historical and cultural context but also through the prism of the way of Jesus. As Christians we need to support those who are excluded and challenge those who through exclusion dehumanise and discriminate. I urge you to join the campaign to welcome our GLBT friends to express their love and commitment to each other through this special rite."

Rev Roger Munson (Uniting Church Minister, Canberra)

"As one of the same-sex partners who will attend a special dinner with the Prime Minister to discuss marriage equality later this year, I intend to speak about my Christian faith. As a Christian I believe it is important that all people are treated with dignity and compassion. Jesus taught us to walk in each other's shoes and not to judge each other. I share a bond with my partner Louise and my two children that is a gift from God. I look forward to the day when we can celebrate and affirm that gift through the rite of legal marriage.."

Sandy Miller (Sydney)

"From a Christian point of view, marriage is an institution designed to serve two social needs:
1. contribute broadly to social stability
2. provide a stable environment for the nurturing of children.

If this is the case then the only questions Christians need to concern themselves with when it comes to the issue of gay marriage are these two:
1. Would gay marriage lead to greater social stability?
2. Would a married gay partnership be likely to provide a more secure environment for the nurturing of the children of a gay couple than an unmarried one?

I think the answer to both these questions has to be 'yes' (read more)"

Fr Dave Smith, (Anglican parish priest, Sydney)

"As someone who grew up in an evangelical church and am now a psychologist I have seen the profound damage done by condemning, excluding and discriminating against same-sex attracted people. I have also seen the immense healing and wellbeing that comes from people of faith embracing their gay and lesbian Christian peers and standing up for equality. We can't change sexual orientation but we can begin to change the hard-hearted laws and attitudes which hurt and limit gay and lesbian people. "

Paul Martin (Principal Psychologist, Centre for Human Potential, Brisbane)

"As the founder of Christians for Gay Marriage lobby group and as someone who is an ordained minister with a same gendered partner I strongly support the right of GLBTI people to marry. I long for the day when my partner Susan and I can finally marry with the full blessing of the "church and state". God is not against us but unfortunately some Christians are. Be assured there are many Christians out there who stand in solidarity with us."

Rev Leanne Jenski (Uniting Church Minister, Adelaide, for more see Unity and Friends)

"In matters of faith it is difficult for the heart to remain where the head cannot. Honest theological reflection in this modern era makes it impossible to see homosexual orientation and behavior as aberrant or sinful. Right relationships emerge out of moral and ethical decision making, not gay or straight orientation. I make my case for same sex marriage here."

Rev David Hunnerup (Uniting Church minister, Launceston)

"Christians in the emerging generations are passionate about justice and radical inclusivity. We understand that same-gender relationships are part of the normal spectrum of human sexuality and have no desire to deny them legal recognition. It's time for young Christians across Australia to speak up for an open and hospitable Christianity – even if it means challenging received assumptions. We can behave like people who believe in God's Reign, where all people have dignity and hope. I urge you to support marriage equality as a prophetic act – to subvert the narrative of exclusion and call forth a Christianity which rejoices in God-given diversity."

The Reverend Chris Bedding, Anglican Priest (Perth WA)