Updated

The Vatican has sent a 39-question survey to dioceses around the world, with questions touching on issues such as gay marriage and birth control, reportedly for the first time ahead of a meeting of bishops.

The survey contains sections on “unions of persons of the same sex," "the education of children in irregular marriages" and "the openness of the married couple to life,” Reuters reports.

The Vatican has asked bishops to share the survey with parish priests and parishioners.

The meeting of bishops, known as a synod, is scheduled for October 2014.

But Vatican officials said Tuesday that Catholics should not expect quick changes in rules even if many disagree with the Church’s views on particular issues, Reuters reports.

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