Most Australian Christians are in favor of legalizing same-sex marriage, new survey finds

A majority of Christians in Australia are in favor of legalizing same-sex marriage, according to a new study conducted ahead of the nation's upcoming referendum.

A survey conducted by Jim Reed of Newgate Research has found that 58 percent of people of faith support the "yes" campaign to legalize gay marriage in Australia. The campaign is also supported by 79 percent of non-religious respondents. Overall, 66 percent of Australians are in favor of legalizing same sex marriage, according to a report from The Sydney Morning Herald.

Among religious groups, Catholics were the most supportive of gay marriage, with as many as two-thirds indicating that they would vote "yes" on Australia's non-binding postal-plebiscite, which is scheduled to begin on Sept. 12 and conclude on Nov. 7. Among the Anglican and Uniting Church denominations, 59 percent said they would vote in favor of gay marriage.

The survey, commissioned by the Equality Campaign, was conducted online among 1,000 respondents last week.

Reed said that the margin of error within each religious category was up to eight percent, but he noted that a majority of people in each group back same-sex marriage even at the maximum margin of error.

"What we're seeing in this latest poll is confirmation that there is a majority support for same-sex marriage, even when they're given the very real decision of a vote rather than more general ideological support," said Reed.

Several Christian leaders have spoken out last week ahead, warning about the possible consequences of legalizing gay marriage.

In a recent report by the Sydney Morning Herald, the Archbishop of Melbourne Denis Hart had allegedly warned that the Church will fire any employees who would enter a same-sex marriage, should it become legal.

"Our teachers, our parish employees are expected totally to uphold the Catholic faith and what we believe about marriage," Hart was quoted as saying.

"I would be very emphatic that our schools, our parishes exist to teach a Catholic view of marriage ... People have to see in words and in example that our teaching of marriage is underlined," he added.

However, Australian Catholic Bishops Commission later released a statement taking issue with the interpretation of the Church's words in the report.

Archbishop Timothy Costelloe explained in the statement that individual Catholic bishops will be allowed to make decisions about "how to manage any issues that may arise," in the event that same-sex marriage becomes legal in the country.

Hillsong's Brian Houston cautioned that there will be "wide-ranging ramifications" should the definition of marriage be changed, but he urged all Australians to vote whatever their conscience might say on the issue.