However, the Island's clergy has demanded no attempt is made to term the relationships marriages.

'For Christians, marriage – that is lifelong union between a man and a woman – remains the proper context for sexual activity,' the submission says.
'In its approach to civil partnerships the Church will continue to uphold that standard, to affirm the value of committed, sexually abstinent friendships between either heterosexual or homosexual couples, and to minister sensitively and pastorally to those who conscientiously decide to order their lives differently.'

The views are contained in the Church's submission to a consultation process on a possible law change which could see same-sex couples formally recognised in law.

It was one of more than 60 views submitted which is now being considered by General Registry ahead of a report being handed to the Council of Ministers.

It was revealed in April that government is considering a law change which could see civil partnerships recognised.
A civil partnership is basically a contractual union between a couple similar to a heterosexual civil marriage.

The consultation exercise also invited views on not adopting a new mechanism for recognising the partnerships, as the UK has, but allowing gay couples to marry.

It also wanted consultation over a law change to give greater rights to all couples who choose to live together without marrying.

A spokesman for chief registrar Peter Corkhill confirmed 65 submissions were received by the closing date and they are now being studied.

A timetable hasn't been set for any decisions to be made, but a report is expected to be handed to the Council of Ministers.

Submissions were made by several groups, including nationalists Mec Vannin and church leaders.

Bishop Graeme Knowles made a detailed submission after the annual meeting of Church of England clergy in the Island.

It says marriage is defined as a 'faithful, committed, permanent and legally sanctioned relationship between a man and a woman' which is for the procreation of children. Any sexual relationship outside marriage, whether gay or straight, are regarded as 'falling short of God's purpose for human beings'.

However, the submission adds: 'There was general support within the convocation for the remedying of particular, long-standing injustices for those who have for too long been the victims of discrimination and prejudice.

'In particular, the convocation would seek to affirm the recognition of those partnerships based on friendship alone.

'Convocation welcomed the fact that, for the main part, there is no intention of recognising civil partnerships as "marriage",' it added. 'It would want to state clearly and unequivocally that a civil partnership is not a marriage.'

With that provision, the submission reports broad-based support for law to enable single sex civil partnerships 'based on the need to give those in long-term, stable relationships an equality of opportunity in law, particularly on the death of a partner'.