Senior clerics taking part in a review of Catholic teachings on the family have called on the Church to adopt a more positive stance on homosexuality.

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

The report does not challenge the Church's long-held opposition to same-sex marriage, but some gay rights groups hailed it as a breakthrough.

Conservative groups rejected the report, one labelling it a "betrayal".

More than 200 bishops have been taking part in the synod since 5 October. It was convened by Pope Francis to debate controversial issues such as abortion, contraception, homosexuality and divorce.

Monday's report, issued half-way through the two-week meeting, said: "Homosexuals have gifts and qualities to offer to the Christian community.

"Are we capable of welcoming these people, guaranteeing to them a fraternal space in our communities?"

Breakthrough or betrayal?

The document adds: "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 the life of the partners."

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

The London-based Catholic gay rights groups Quest called parts of it a "breakthrough".

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 Church history".

Last year, a survey launched by Pope Francis suggested that the majority of Catholics rejected Church teaching on issues such as sex and contraception.