Emotions ran so strong that proxy speakers were sometimes needed to explain a position. Discovering a common ground required explanation, discussion, description, and more discussion. It took time, but slowly, the two sides moved closer together and reached a point that both sides could support. I believe that any group truly desiring resolution to a problem can achieve consensus. I have seen consensus work on seemingly impossible decisions in very diverse groups.
Consensus takes practice.
It takes patience. It takes time. Higher quality decisions with deeper commitment from the group. These meetings can become very emotional with factions competing for their piece of the pie. In order to discuss difficult issues surrounding tough decisions, all members of the group must feel they can say what is important to them without censorship.