Sydney private school equates same-sex relationships and trans identity with abuse

The principal of a private Sydney school has defended its "statement of faith" that lists same-sex relationships and transgender identity alongside abusive relationships as "not acceptable to God", saying critics had taken it out of context.

The Penrith Christian school attached its statement of faith to enrolment application forms for students, asking parents to indicate they had "read and understood" it.

In a letter to parents on Monday following media reports, school principal Tracey Deal stood by the statement of faith, saying it had been taken out of context.

"It is disappointing that the media have misunderstood and misinterpreted a small part of the Statement of Faith and inferred mistreatment of students" the letter read.

The statement of faith, which is attached to the school's enrolment application, must be "read and understood" as part of any prospective application, and gives parents an option to discuss the matter with the school.

The school says the document "covers our present needs as to these fundamental doctrines," before detailing its understanding of "fallen relationships".

"Adultery, same sex attraction, transgender identity, premarital sex, sexual acts between members of the same sex and abusive relationships, are all examples of relationships and behaviours which are not acceptable to God.