The Evangelist who became a Christian

[Pulladigm]

Recently CNN ran a series of articles on GLBT issues. In this series there was an article about an evangelist preacher in Oklahoma who, after years of gaybashing from his pulpit realized that Jesus was a man who welcomed everyone and went out of his way to embrace the disenfrachised and the outcast. W/ that epiphany he changed his attitude and welcomed all, including GLBT people to his congregation.
I was very impressed. However, I only caught the tail end of the article. When I looked for it on the CNN website I was unable to find it. Can anyone supply me w/ more info so I can find more about the man and his congregation in Tulsa (I believe?)?
Paul Diamond
pulldigm@yahoo.com

[Emproph]

I ran across this the other week and was very much impressed but didn't think much of it beyond that, and didn't realize the import of it having been on CNN.

From Ex-Gay Watch:
Tulsa Preacher Changes Mind on Gays, Ex-Gays (http://www.exgaywatch.com/wp/2007/06/tulsa-preacher-changes-mind-on-gays-ex-gays/)

http://davidlrattigan.com/carlton%20pearson.jpg

On CNN this week (http://www.cnn.com/video/player/player.html?url=/video/us/2007/06/24/sanchez.pro.gay.evangelist.newdim&wm=11), [<CNN video link] Tulsa Pentecostal pastor Carlton Pearson (http://www.newdimensions.us/) described how he had a change of heart about fundamentalism after his best friend came out gay.

At one time he headed up a 5,000-strong megachurch in Tulsa, OK, but was denounced as a heretic (http://www.charismamag.com/display.php?id=9245) by fellow charismatics when he began embracing the “Gospel of Inclusion (http://www.beliefnet.com/story/127/story_12772_1.html)” in 2003...a message that has cost him the best part of his congregation and his career.

[mjules]

Carlton Pearson! I remember him from my old fundamentalist days. Good to see he's joined the flock of the enlightened. ;)

*is pleased*

[Gennee]

Carlton Pearson came to the church I used to attend many many years ago. I'll have to read more about it. I personally like his preaching.

Gennee

:)

[BrentRichards]

I ran across this the other week and was very much impressed but didn't think much of it beyond that, and didn't realize the import of it having been on CNN.

From Ex-Gay Watch:
Tulsa Preacher Changes Mind on Gays, Ex-Gays (http://www.exgaywatch.com/wp/2007/06/tulsa-preacher-changes-mind-on-gays-ex-gays/)

http://davidlrattigan.com/carlton%20pearson.jpg

On CNN this week (http://www.cnn.com/video/player/player.html?url=/video/us/2007/06/24/sanchez.pro.gay.evangelist.newdim&wm=11), [<CNN video link] Tulsa Pentecostal pastor Carlton Pearson (http://www.newdimensions.us/) described how he had a change of heart about fundamentalism after his best friend came out gay.

At one time he headed up a 5,000-strong megachurch in Tulsa, OK, but was denounced as a heretic (http://www.charismamag.com/display.php?id=9245) by fellow charismatics when he began embracing the “Gospel of Inclusion (http://www.beliefnet.com/story/127/story_12772_1.html)” in 2003...a message that has cost him the best part of his congregation and his career.

Interesting to note that one of those "denouncing" him in the 2004 story linked above is none other than then-NAE president Ted Haggard ... now where have I heard that name recently? Hmmm....

Praise God for Carlton Pearson!

[Emproph]

Interesting to note that one of those "denouncing" him in the 2004 story linked above is none other than then-NAE president Ted Haggard ... now where have I heard that name recently? Hmmm....

Praise God for Carlton Pearson!
From that Charisma article (http://www.charismamag.com/display.php?id=9245):
[Pearson] added that he plans to soon release a book titled God Is Not a Christian.

"I happen to believe in the God who is big enough to save an entire world from perceived, ultimate destruction and spiritual death and that, in fact, He has done so," Pearson wrote. "All that's needed now, is for people to be informed--to know and enjoy this powerful and liberating Truth. Therefore I am committed to the proclamation of the 'Gospel of Inclusion.'"Ted Haggard...said because Pearson has rejected calls from Christian leaders to return to orthodox teaching, "the body of Christ at large should now ignore him. Don't support him, don't acknowledge him, don't attend his events and don't dignify his position with time and attention. And, where necessary, protect the unaware from his teaching." Perfectly stated *Pastor* Haggard, I couldn't have projected it better myself.

More on Pearson via Pam's House Blend (http://www.pamshouseblend.com/showDiary.do?diaryId=2332):
Pro-LGBT black clergy ad counters misinformation on hate crimes legislation

In a new ad appearing in USA Today, the National Black Justice Coalition, Human Rights Campaign and the Leadership Conference on Civil Rights, black religious leaders counter the claim of the puppets of the white evangelical bigots that the passage of the measure would muzzle pastors like Jackson from spouting homophobic sermons from the pulpit.