Mayville, N.D. (AP) Members of one small Red River Valley church that goes back 136 years say they're not bothered by a new Lutheran church policy that allows gays and lesbians to serve as church leaders.

Not everybody agrees with the policy approved by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. But the pastor at the Gran (GRAHN) Lutheran Church halfway between Mavyille and Hillsboro says it's not been a daily discussion topic in the congregation.

Lois Hanson is a member of the church who says she soon will be 90. She says people are not upset by the change.

Jerry Paulson, who lives just across the Goose River, says he doubts the policy will change in the Red River Valley's hundreds of ELCA congregations, because each congregation still gets to decide whom to call as its pastor.

At least one member of Gran may leave over the policy change.

Tom Woodard says he thinks it's wrong.

Information from: Grand Forks Herald, http://www.grandforksherald.com (Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 08-30-09 0430CDT | save this article / add to your favorites list