BIRMINGHAM, Alabama - The Human Rights Campaign will have a conference at 6 tonight to discuss building stronger faith communities for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people.

The Rev. Kevin Higgs, a United Methodist pastor, will speak to the gathering at Beloved Community Church, 131 41st St. South in Avondale.

The Human Rights Campaign commissioned a recent survey that showed almost half of LGBT respondents in Alabama are people of faith, including 60 percent of African-American LGBT people. More than 1 in 5 has experienced harassment monthly or more at their place of worship.

To address the concerns of LGBT people within the faith community, HRC launched Project One America, an $8.5 million, multi-year project to support gay rights in the South.

"It's time for the hate to stop," Higgs said when the project was announced. "I'm all in favor of separation of church and state, and I'm all in favor of separation of church and hate, too."

Participants at tonight's meeting will share their experiences in faith communities and hear from a panel of clergy and other local faith leaders who will talk about leading inclusive faith communities.

"Like many people across the state, LGBT Alabamians embrace their faith communities with open and loving hearts," said Project One America Faith and Religion associate director Joseph Ward. "Increasingly, Americans from all walks of life support equality as an extension of their faith, not in spite of it. This event aims to build more inclusive spaces across Alabama."