London, Oct 14 (IANS): Senior clerics taking part in a review of Catholic teachings have called on the church to adopt a more positive stance on homosexuality.

A preliminary report by bishops during a Vatican synod said homosexuals had "gifts and qualities to offer", BBC reported.

"Without denying the moral problems connected to homosexual unions, it has to be noted that there are cases in which mutual aid to the point of sacrifice constitutes a precious support in life of the partners," the report said.

The report does not challenge the church's long held opposition to same-sex marriages, but London-based Catholic gay rights group Quest called parts of it a "breakthrough".

Also, Human Rights Campaign, a leading US gay rights organisation, said the document set a "dramatic new tone".

However, Voice Of The Family, a conservative Roman Catholic organisation, rejected the interim report as a "betrayal".

The group's co-founder John Smeaton called it "one of the worst official documents drafted in the church history".

Over 200 bishops have been taking part in the synod since Oct 5.

It was convened by Pope Francis to debate controversial issues such as abortion, contraception, homosexuality and divorce.