wfn.org | Carlton Pearson preaches empowering 'Gospel of Inclusion'

[Worldwide Faith News <wfn@igc.org>]

Carlton Pearson preaches empowering 'Gospel of Inclusion'

> Written by Tim Kershner
> June 27, 2009

His Gospel of Inclusion created controversy in the Church of God in
Christ. But Bishop Carlton Pearson says his life is "one big memorial."

"I am remembering that I love you and I know you."

A longtime member of the African American Pentecostal Bishops
Conference ? a group that came to declare him a heretic ? Pearson
spoke Saturday afternoon to a group of delegates and visitors to the
UCC General Synod 27.

His separation from the Pentecostal movement occurred when he "could
not reconcile the absolute love of God for all" with the concept of
God "who would eternally torture."

"I could no longer hide my theological crisis. I did not have
permission to love people" with an opposing theology. "But in my heart
I felt related to the stranger."

Pearson discovered his religion was creating barrier between himself
and those he felt called to serve. "I've dismissed so many people to
hell," but, "God is love." He says the UCC message of inclusion is  empowering.

"Did Jesus come to protect us FROM God or connect us TO God?," he
asked. Pearson emphasizes that we need to give people permission to
think again.

The naturalist Charles Darwin, Pearson believes, had it right when he
wrote that it is not the strongest species or the most intelligent
species which survive, it is the most adaptable species, those species
which are willing to change. What churches and individuals must do is
manage the change and master the change."

> After all, he says, "Shift happens."