'We think it's time' - church gay marriage moves gather pace

Fifty Anglican, Presbyterian, Methodist and Quaker leaders responded with a neutralising letter – supporting legislative change.

"We think it's time the Church recognises and encourages those in same-gender relationships who wish to pledge their love and fidelity to each other," the reformists replied.

"To suggest that marriage based on biblical precepts is frozen in stone and cannot develop or change is to ignore reality."

This was eerily similar to the move by six Catholic bishops in Victoria in April who wrote a letteropposingamendments to Australia's marriage laws. This prompted a powerful counter letter signed by clergy supportingreform – which now has 77 signatures.

Shifts elsewhere may not be as newsworthy but are continuing. A Baptist minister in Victoria caused consternation when he backed same-sex unions on ABC Television in July.

"We actually need to look at it in terms of justice, of compassion, of equality for all people", said South Yarra minister, Nathan Nettleton. "And so I think the case would need to be made that allowing same sex marriage would actually be detrimental to the community in some way before I would argue that the State should legislate against it."

He was rapidly slapped down by senior Baptists. "The sentiments expressed by the Reverend Nathan Nettleton … do not represent the views of Australian Baptist Ministries or an overwhelming majority of Baptists in Australia and around the world", said spokesperson Rod Benson.

Nettleton finds himself, however, in an expanding company of progressive Baptists, admittedly from a low base. Of the 77 signatories to the April open letter from Australian religious leaders, seven are Baptists.

They include influential elder statesman Rowland Croucher of Melbourne and respected academic Craig de Vos of Adelaide.

Baptists certainly have articulate Biblical scholars arguing compellingly for a re-examination of the relevant Scriptures which they claim have been misapplied.

Another conservative group now challenged from within is the Orthodox Jewish community.

Charismatic rabbi Shmuly Yanklowitz announced earlier this year, "I'm coming out of the closet right now as an Orthodox rabbi who is a proud ally with those of LGBT orientation."