Joseph Emerson said he wanted to join a church that did not practice what he calls the "11th commandment."

"The message that 'Thou shalt not be gay' is thrown upon us," he said. "I used to pray that God would make me straight, but for some reason, God never made that happen."

Emerson (senior-meteorology), a member of the Metropolitan Community Church of Pittsburgh, was one of three panelists from the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community who participated in Faith Talks last night.

First held last September, Faith Talks is a forum for students and community members to share their stories about growing up LGBT and spiritual. About 30 people gathered in the Pasquerilla Spiritual Center for the event, hosted by the Center for Ethics and Religious Affairs and the LGBTA Student Resource Center.

The panelists, each from a different Christian denomination, spoke about their personal experiences, then opened up the floor to questions.

"In faith communities we don't talk about homosexuality, except as a sin," said Neill Johnson, a member of the University Baptist and Brethren Church, 411 S. Burrowes St. "I had to overcome the terrific shame I felt was associated with 'coming out.' "

The group also discussed what they believe is Jesus Christ's attitude toward gay people.

"As far as I know, Jesus never denounced homosexuals," Catholic panelist Eric Patridge (graduate-integrative biosciences) said. "I don't think Jesus would have condemned homosexuals."

Susannah Oberdorf (senior-advertising) said she attended Faith Talks because she wanted to learn more about people who are homosexual and Christian.

"Increasing your knowledge about your faith, and the faith of others, makes you a better person in your faith," she said.

Founder Jason Lally (senior-information sciences and technology) said Faith Talks is an important step in reuniting two groups that have been at odds for decades -- the Christian community and the LGBT community.

"I believe there is an alternate view," he said. "You can be gay, and you can be spiritual. We need to represent both communities."

Lally said he hopes Faith Talks will host LGBT members from a greater variety of religions, such as Islam, Judaism and Hinduism, when it is held again during the fall semester.