A national opinion poll has found a majority of Australian Christians believe same-sex couples should be allowed to marry.

Meanwhile, a number of mainstream Christian ministers have spoken out in favour of the reform.

A Galaxy Research poll released today found that 53% of Australians who identify as Christians support same-sex marriage, while 41% oppose. 67% of non-Christians support it. A pdf of the research report is here.

The findings appear ahead of today’s Marriage Day rally against same-sex marriage in Canberra convened by religious groups including the Australian Christian Lobby.

Australian Marriage Equality spokesperson Malcolm McPherson, himself a Christian, says the poll shows church leaders and Christian lobbyists who oppose same-sex marriage are not representative.

“Christian groups that oppose marriage equality like the Australian Christian Lobby are entitled to their view, but they do not represent the majority of Australian Christians”, McPherson notes.

“Clearly, most Australian Christians believe same-sex marriage is consistent with Christian values like justice, love, compassion and fidelity, not opposed to these values.”

CHRISTIANS 4 EQUALITY

Buoyed by the poll results, Australian Marriage Equality has launched a Christians 4 Equality letter-writing campaign which has the endorsement of a wide range of Christian leaders and has already seen almost 10,000 letters sent to MPs from Australian Christians since the site went live on Friday afternoon.

Christian leaders who have given their support to the campaign come from Uniting, Anglican and Baptist churches across Australia, and include Sydney minister and 2GB radio host Rev Bill Crews.

In his endorsement of Christians 4 Equality, Rev Crews pointed out the distinction between religious and civil marriages.

“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.”

Melbourne Baptist Pastor Matt Glover says allowing same-sex marriages will benefit marriage as an institution.

“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?” he asks.

“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.”

NO MORE ‘GOD Vs. GAYS’

Lobbyist Malcolm McPherson says he’s very pleased more Australian Christians who support marriage equality are speaking out.

“We want politicians to understand that marriage equality is not about ‘God v the gays’, but about principles like justice and inclusion that have support across many faith communities,” he adds.

“We urge all Christians who support marriage equality to email their local MP.”

The Christian clergy endorsing Christians 4 Equality join the Unitarians, Quakers and the Metropolitan Community Church in publicly supporting same-sex marriage in Australia.

The Rabbinic Council of Progressive Rabbis of Australia put their support for same-sex marriage on the record in June.

Are YOU a Christian who supports Marriage Equality? Add your message to the Christians 4 Equality campaign here.