It is well known that the majority of the world's religions stand in opposition not only to same-sex marriage but homosexuality.

Some suggest religion is the biggest hurdle to clear in any attempt to redefine marriage due to the blanket claim that "God doesn't like it".

But not all religious figures see it the same way.

A select number of religious leaders are not toeing the line of their faith and are taking a different approach in their fight for inclusivity — even if it makes them unpopular to some.

The ABC spoke with some of those leaders from four different religions who believe faith and homosexuality can sit side-by-side.

Anglican Church

Father Rod Bower says some conservative clergy have told him not to advocate for same-sex marriage. ( ABC TV )

Father Rod Bower, known for his thought-provoking signs outside a Gosford church, on the NSW Central Coast, wants those in the Anglican community to know they would not be denying their faith by voting Yes.

"It's a human rights issue," he said.

"While you can still hold the traditional view of marriage as a Christian, you can also support people's human rights."

For Father Bower, the marked effect and influence he has as a leader of faith has been particularly evident as the community considers same-sex marriage.

"A doctor told me the other day he overheard a conversation in his waiting room where someone said 'if Father Rod says it's OK, it must be OK'."

"When faith leaders actually come out and say to their communities 'it's OK to vote Yes', it's quite a strong thing for people to hear and it gives them that little extra bit of encouragement."

However, Father Bower has also met with backlash and has seen a number of parishioners walk out of the church doors.

"That's been very painful for me," he said.

"But I haven't changed my mind because of that or quit because of that."

More conservative clergy have argued Father Bower should not be speaking out on the matter as his views are not biblical, but he disagrees.

"I hold that the Bible doesn't say anything about homosexuality because that's a very modern concept," he said.

"You can't superimpose those ancient texts over a modern understanding of human sexuality... you have to read them in context."

Catholic Church

Father Kevin Burke, parish priest at Our Lady Help of Christians in Eltham, in Melbourne's north-east, takes a similar approach, describing the Bible as "guidelines, little hints and little directions".

Father Kevin Burke says we should not take a phrase out of one particular book and say God condemns homosexuality. ( Supplied )

"We have moved on a lot since the Old Testament," he said.

"We can't afford to always be black and white ... there are grey areas."

Father Burke said the 'don't ask, don't tell' principle had been entrenched in the Catholic Church, leaving people who were lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and intersex (LGBTI) ostracised, and contradicting the golden thread of respect which runs through the Bible.



"We've turned enough away, we have to try to hold onto those who are still courageous enough to stick around."

Upon speaking out, Father Burke has received backlash with people telling him to "mind his business" and to not "tell politicians how to run the country".

But he is determined to see broader thinking within the Church, and encourages his parishioners to read widely, discuss matters and look at different points of view.

"We always need to respect people's conscience," he said.

"Sometimes the hierarchy can say 'well your conscience is OK as long as long as it agrees with what we are telling you to believe'. Well that's not really respecting their conscience."

As for the future direction of the Catholic Church, Father Burke believes it will be difficult for a more progressive approach to rule.

"A lot of the priests getting ordained these days are very conservative and subservient men who have very traditional ideas," he said.

"But we really must not keep opposing everything and coming across as negative.

"We've got to be aware of the world as it is."

Judaism

Rabbi Jacqueline Ninio says we understand sexuality very differently to when the Bible was written. ( ABC News: Paige Cockburn )

Rabbi Jacqueline Ninio of the Emmanuel Synagogue in Sydney said it was unfair when the opportunity to one day perform same-sex marriages was thwarted by those playing the religious freedom card.

"I feel my religious freedom is being curtailed by those groups who are stopping me from doing this because it is something they don't want to do," she said.

"If they don't want to do it that's fine, that's their prerogative.

"But I want the opportunity to celebrate and sanctify same-sex relationships with the rites and rituals of marriage."

Rabbi Ninio said she had no problem dismissing the prohibitions in the Torah about a man lying with another man.

"Just as I would dismiss the rules about slavery," she said.

"I don't think that prohibition in the Torah was talking about loving and committed relationships."

Orthodox rabbis may not feel they have the freedom to walk away from that commandment Rabbi Ninio said, but she is adamant: "I'll do same-sex marriages the day after the law is changed."

"Nothing would make me happier."

Islam

Imam Nur Warsame says it is very difficult for Muslims to advocate for same-sex marriage due to the oppression towards LGBT people.

Melbourne Imam Nur Warsame, Australia's first openly gay Imam, supports same-sex marriage but said it was definitely not a priority for LGBTI Muslims.

"Discussions are more about how to survive," he said.

"Priorities are having a safe place, going out and being safe and not being targeted by family."

The National Imams Council recently declared marital relationships that were not between a man and a woman as "Islamically impermissible".

But Imam Warsame said opposition was pinned on old and misconstrued interpretations of the Koran, based on certain agendas of fear and control.

"Marriage equality I think is actually founded in the basic teachings of Islam," he said.

"When you look holistically, the Koran foundationally blesses relationships built on love and mercy.

"There is nothing in the Koran about throwing homosexuals off buildings."

Whilst Imam Warsame will not be speaking out to urge others to vote Yes, as he strongly opposes the idea of a postal survey, he hopes one day he will be able to marry same-sex couples.

"I look forward to it, I've already been approached."