A Christian private school in Sydney has said same-sex relationships are not acceptable. 

The comments were made as part of a “statement of faith”, listing same-sex relationships alongside abusive relationships. 

The statement also condemns the transgender community. 

Another Australian institution – Citipointe Christian College – has seen huge backlash after asking parents to sign contracts labelling homosexuality as a sin. 

However, the Penrith Christian School says that their statement is not the same. 

Instead of asking parents to sign a contract, they argue that they were merely asking them to indicate that they had read and understood the statement, allowing parents to discuss the matter further should they wish to. 

Tracey Deal – the head of the school – sent a letter to parents clarifying the details. It read: “It is disappointing that the media have misunderstood and misinterpreted a small part of the Statement of Faith and inferred mistreatment of students.”

The initial statement – which is attached to all enrolment applications – says: “Adultery, same sex attraction, transgender identity, premarital sex, sexual acts between members of the same sex and abusive relationships, are all examples of relationships and behaviours which are not acceptable to God.

“Sexual relationships should be exercised exclusively in a marital relationship between a male and female.”

The principal of Citipointe Christian College has stepped away from his role ahead of the start of the Australian school year after politicians condemned the actions of the institution.