SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS) _ It was a chance to share some personal history and talk in detail about issues facing the state for one gubernatorial candidate in San Francisco this weekend.

The 2010 Gubernatorial Faith Form was held at the San Francisco Christian Center and Democratic gubernatorial candidate Jerry Brown took the opportunity to expound upon California's ongoing leadership void.

"Seven times since World War II, California has faced a recession. And sometimes, very high unemployment," he said. "But we always come back."

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Brown was one of several candidates invited to attend and answer questions from a mostly African American and Latino audience.

He was asked about how faith has influenced his life and recalled his early years when he decided to become a priest, which drew some laughter from the audience.

But no one was laughing when the crowd found out that Brown's opponent in the November election, Meg Whitman declined an invitation.

Her campaign said she had a scheduling conflict, but that wasn't good enough for an audience desperate to get to know the Republican nominee.

"It doesn't look good and it doesn't sound good," said one in attendance.

San Francisco Reverend Arnold Townsend also said he was disappointed.

"I find it disappointing that throughout the primary and now, she's had absolutely no real involvement with the African American community," said Townsend.

Brown also seized on the opportunity to call Whitman out.

"I'd like to know just what role religion's played in her life and this is the forum to do it, just like I was quizzed on that," he said.

Brown said he's still hoping that his request for ten debates with Whitman will come to fruition. So far, three have been scheduled.