But conservatives contend that advocates for a broader role for gays will continue ordaining them and blessing their unions, in defiance of Methodist rules.

The debate over homosexuality has flared in many Protestant denominations. Conservatives in the Episcopal Church formed a breakaway network of congregations after that denomination consecrated its first openly gay bishop last year.

No Methodist split is imminent. Church law prevents congregations from walking away with Methodist property — and negotiating a breakup would take years.

The idea of splitting clearly disturbed many delegates as they wrapped up their 11-day assembly.

"In the course of our legislative committee and the course of debate on this floor, I've often found myself feeling that I was in a sea of distrust and drowning," said the Rev. Stanley Copeland of Dallas, whose voice wavered as he praised the delegates who drafted the unity resolution. "In the last few minutes, what has happened here to me has been monumental for our church."

The Rev. William McAlilly of Tupelo, Miss., who said he was among many moderates in the church, expressed hope that "those of us in the middle can contain those on both sides of the equation."

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