BY MORE than two-thirds majorities, the clergy and laity of Perth Synod have voted to recognise diversity within the diocese "both in our sexual identities and in our theologies of human sexuality".

The synod has also noted the support of many Anglicans for same-sex civil unions, and acknowledged that "legal recognition of same-sex relationships may coexist with legal recognition of marriage between a man and a woman".

The resolution is not final until the Archbishop, the Most Revd Roger Herft, has given his assent. He has 30 days in which to decide his response.

The mover of the motion, the Revd Chris Bedding, said that while the Church was not yet ready to have "marriage-like" ceremonies for same-sex couples in churches, "we wanted to say that if the government has civil recognition of unions or equality, then we are comfortable with that". The motion sent a message of compassion, he said. "That was the mood of the Anglican Church over the weekend. We love, and care about, and want to welcome and include people of all kinds of sexual identity."