The Bishop of Newcastle, the Rt Revd Roger Herft, will launch a Year of Listening on 1 November to discuss the diocese's attitude to the range of human relationships which now exist in modern society.

This year's Synod reaffirmed the significance of the sacrament of marriage, but also acknowledged the diversity of family types in society, urging acceptance and welcoming.

The Synod also called for a report, to be presented in just over 20 months, on the question of formal recognition and affirmation of people in relationships other than marriage, including same sex couples.

Many denominations around Australia and the world are grappling with these questions at the present time, and the Diocese will spend a year from 1 November in discussion starting with a Diocesan Conference on Relationships in Society.