Pearson in 1981 founded Higher Dimensions Family Church in Tulsa – later known as New Dimensions Church, whose membership numbered about 6,000 by the turn of the century
The founder of a former megachurch in Oklahoma who was branded a heretic after embracing the idea that there is no hell and supporting gay rights has died
In 2007, Pearson helped lead hundreds of clergy members from across the nation in urging Congress to pass landmark hate crime and job discrimination measures.