French Polynesia's Protestant church has voted against recognising same sex marriages.
The decision is in defiance of French law, which recognises same sex marriages since May and which also applies to France's Pacific territories.
A statement by the Maohi Protestant Church says the government's acceptance of same-sex marriages is a political move.
The Pacific Conference of Churches has started preparatory work to formulate a position for members on same sex marriage based on theological references and biblical teachings.
