A new gay and lesbian-friendly church in Northcote is set to become a Melbourne hub for same-sex marriage.

Acts2Faith Church pastor Becky Bauer said strengthening legal rights for gay partnerships was a common prayer item for the church, which has attracted a loyal following since opening late last year.

Ms Bauer, a Preston resident, came from the predominantly gay and lesbian Glory Tabernacle Christian Centre in the US to establish the non-denominational Christian church in a Northcote neighbourhood house.

“Our vision is to see LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) people come back into fellowship with God,” Ms Bauer said.

“While some churches are accepting, they don’t have an active outreach like we do, but we are not just a gay and lesbian church, we are all inclusive.”

Among other prayers, the congregation was praying for the Federal Government to lift the ban on gay marriage.

“I believe Australia will come on board with this because it’s a country where people get a fair go,” Ms Bauer said.

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