OKLAHOMA CITY -- Bishop Carlton Pearson, the founder of a former megachurch in Oklahoma, passed away on Sunday night at the age of 70. Known for his rejection of the concept of hell and his support for gay rights, Pearson's journey was marked by controversy and a significant shift in his theological beliefs.

Pearson, who had been battling cancer, breathed his last in hospice care in Tulsa, his agent Will Bogle confirmed. He first rose to prominence in the Pentecostal preaching circuit and gained international recognition through appearances on the Trinity Broadcasting Network.

In 1981, Pearson established Higher Dimensions Family Church in Tulsa, which later became New Dimensions Church. At its peak, the church boasted a membership of around 6,000. However, membership dwindled to a few hundred by 2008 when Pearson began advocating "the gospel of inclusion," which rejected the idea of hell and embraced universalism.

The Joint College of African-American Pentecostal Bishops Congress declared Pearson's teaching on hell as heretical in 2004. This declaration came after Pearson defended his views at a doctrinal forum. The fallout from his beliefs included his resignation from the board of regents at his alma mater, Oral Roberts University, and a rift with his mentor, renowned evangelist Oral Roberts.

Despite facing widespread condemnation from evangelical leaders and losing support, Pearson remained firm in his convictions, stating that he did not believe he had made a mistake with his theological shift. He continued to advocate for inclusion and equality, co-leading a group of clergy members in urging Congress to pass hate crime and job discrimination measures for the LGBTQ+ community in 2007.

Pearson's radical beliefs led to the eventual foreclosure of Higher Dimensions. The church was absorbed into All Souls Unitarian Church in Tulsa, where Pearson became an affiliate minister. All Souls issued a statement urging people to reflect on Pearson's impact and carry forward the love and wisdom he imparted.

Rev. Robert Turner, who considered Pearson a mentor, expressed dismay upon hearing the news of Pearson's death. Turner, now pastoring at the Empowerment Temple AME in Baltimore, praised Pearson's poignant and prophetic words.

In 2018, Pearson's story was featured in a lengthy episode of "This American Life" and subsequently adapted into the Netflix movie "Come Sunday," with Chiwetel Ejiofor portraying Pearson. He ran for Tulsa mayor in 2002 but faced defeat, attributing it to public resistance to his teachings.

Pearson's influence extended beyond his pulpit. He authored several books, including "The Gospel of Inclusion: Reaching Beyond Religious Fundamentalism to the True Love of God," and appeared in the documentary film "American Heretics: The Politics of the Gospel."

Survived by his mother, a son, a daughter, and his former wife, Carlton Pearson leaves behind a legacy of challenging traditional beliefs and striving for inclusivity in religious discourse. His impact on the conversation surrounding faith and social justice will continue to be felt by those influenced by his teachings.