GOSHEN, Ind. — An Indiana college’s recent decision to add sexual orientation and gender identity to its non-discrimination policy is being met with general approval among students and faculty despite being apparently at odds with the official position of its affiliated church on the issue.

The change in policy was approved by Goshen College’s board of directors over the weekend. It allows for benefits and hiring to be extended to include employees in same-sex marriages.

“I’m really happy (about the decision),” Sam Smucker, a fifth-year senior from Kansas, told the Goshen News. “It’s long overdue. I’m glad it’s happened because we can deal with other issues (going forward).”

Goshen College, a private liberal arts school with an enrollment of about 1,000 students, is affiliated with the Mennonite Church USA, which holds that marriage is between a man and a woman and condemns homosexual activity as sin.

“We have a strong relationship with Mennonite Church USA,” said Jodi Beyeler, director of communications at Goshen College. “We also recognize the diversity of interpretation of Scripture on this issue.”

Still, a statement released by the Mennonite Education Agency said that Goshen College and another school, Eastern Mennonite University in Virginia — which announced an identical change in its non-discrimination policy — would be considered “at variance” with the Mennonite Church’s teaching position on the issue.

“We recognize the deep beliefs, emotions and different understandings that are present in our denomination,” the statement reads. “As we engage in conversations in the midst of disagreements, we hope to do so in a spirit of humility.”

Beyeler said immediate reaction that she’s seen among students and alumni has been “fairly favorable,” but acknowledges that some hold honest and passionate disagreement with the board’s action.

“We knew that not all would agree with (the decision),” she added, “but we seek to be a hospitable community for all, regardless of agreeing with it.”

Abby Deaton became a leader of GC Open Letter, a campus group advocating for GLBTQ equality, three years ago before recently graduating. She said the change in adding sexual orientation and gender identity to the college’s non-discrimination policy will “open doors” as the college moves forward in the future.

“It will strengthen relationships between administration, students and alumni that identify as GLBTQ,” Deaton said. “At the institutional level, it’s more officially welcoming and will help in the healing process of mending relationships that were broken and hope the healing continues.”

Some students wondered what effect the policy change might have on the school’s ability to raise funds from alumni and other groups.

“We get support from more conservative Mennonites who may not approve, but we may get more donations with the change,” said Ashley Bently. “I would be excited as an alumni if I were one already. I believe it will be a brighter future.”

The Goshen (Ind.) News contributed to this story.