METHODIST LEADERS REJECT GAY POLICIES.(MAIN)

Byline: RICHARD N. OSTLING Associated Press with staff report

CLEVELAND -- Rejecting pleas from demonstrators, United Methodist Church leaders reaffirmed their opposition Thursday to homosexuality, the ordination of sexually active gays and the holding of wedding-style ceremonies for same-sex couples.

Police arrested 27 protesters, including Susan Morrison, bishop for the Albany area.

She had demanded to be arrested as a show of support and was being held in the Cleveland Women's Prison. She previously has dissented against the conference's stance on homosexuality.

The decisions raise the prospect of continuing turmoil, church trials for …