Controversial Megachurch Founder Carlton Pearson Dies at 70

Pearson, known for his 'gospel of inclusion' that rejected the concept of hell, faced significant backlash from the religious community.

Carlton Pearson, founder of the former megachurch Higher Dimensions Family Church in Oklahoma, has died at the age of 70 due to cancer.
Pearson was known for his controversial theological shift, where he rejected the idea of hell and supported gay rights, leading to a significant drop in his church's membership.
His teachings, which he called 'the gospel of inclusion,' were declared heretical by the Joint College of African-American Pentecostal Bishops Congress in 2004.
Pearson's beliefs led to his resignation from the board of regents of his alma mater, Oral Roberts University, and a split with the university’s founder and his mentor — evangelist Oral Roberts.
Despite the controversy, Pearson continued his ministry, becoming a United Church of Christ minister and an affiliate minister with All Souls Unitarian Church in Tulsa.