File photo shows Indian gay rights activists gather for a protest following a Supreme Court verdict in Calcutta, capital of eastern Indian state West Bengal, Dec. 11, 2013. (Xinhua/Tumpa Mondal)

WINDHOEK, May 19 (Xinhua) -- The Council of Church in Namibia has called for accepting those who are gays and lesbians "because of orientation" while continuing to condemn homosexual lifestyles.

In a statement Thursday, the council of churches said they still accept the Bible as the ultimate authority and that marriage is meant for one man and one woman.

However, the council of churches said the inexplicable reality of same sex attractions calls for pastoral sensitivity and understanding.

According to the statement, the council realizes that at the core of the gay and lesbian people's struggle is a deep-seated sense of rejection.

"The Council of Church leaders appeals to all Christians and people of goodwill to accept as children of God our brothers and sisters in our communities who are of the same sex orientation and avoid condemnation, hatred and intolerance and reject any form of stigma and discrimination," the statement said.

The statement however said living a gay or lesbian life as lifestyle is still a sin.

The council said it condemns all unrighteous sinful lifestyles, amongst which are lesbian and gay lifestyles.