A group of religious faith-based people and organisations have formed to call for a Yes vote in the forthcoming same-sex marriage referendum.

"Faith in Marriage Equality" is comprised of people from a range of faith backgrounds and organisations - including We are Church Ireland, Gay Catholic Voice Ireland and the Church of Ireland group Changing Attitude Ireland.

The group has launched a four point charter to give the reasons why they say people of religious faith should support same-sex marriage.

They say that we are all equal under God - whether we are heterosexual or gay - and that people of faith understand marriage is based on the values of love and commitment.

The group also believes that faith institutions already distinguish between civil and religious marriage.

Speaking after the launch outside the civil registration office in Dublin, Dr Richard O'Leary said people of faith can exercise their freedom of conscience to vote yes to same-sex marriage in this referendum.