Perhaps you’ve noticed how certain buildings radiate a sense of community. That is Christian Unity Church. It stands as a testament to faith, love, and service.
Christian Unity Church’s story began long ago. The seeds were sown in the hearts of those seeking spiritual connection. It is a global spiritual community. Christian Unity offers tools for applying positive spiritual principles.
Unity welcomes all people. This includes all races, colors, genders and ages. No one is excluded because of creed or religion. National origin and ethnicity are also not factors. Physical disability and sexual orientation are irrelevant.
Now let’s talk about Unity’s beliefs. Unity has no particular creed. It has no set dogma. There is no required ritual. Unity maintains there is good in every approach to God. It holds that one should focus on the potential good in all. The essence of every human is divine.
Unity emphasizes healing by spiritual means. It does not reject medical treatments. Unity is the largest group connected with the New Thought movement. It is the only one to maintain a Christian identity.
The Unity School of Christianity was founded in 1889. Charles and Myrtle Fillmore founded it in Kansas City, Missouri. Mrs. Fillmore was cured of tuberculosis. She believed it was by spiritual healing. The Fillmores studied world religions. They looked at links between science and religion.
The Fillmores were influenced by several people. Dr. E. B. Weeks was one. Ralph Waldo Emerson and Emma Curtis Hopkins were others. Mary Baker Eddy also influenced them. She was the founder of Christian Science.
The Fillmores began publishing their first magazine in April 1889. It was called Modern Thought. Later magazines included Wee Wisdom. Daily Word was another. In 1891, the Fillmores named the movement Unity. In 1903, they began publishing Lessons in Truth by H. Emilie Cady. The Fillmores accepted ordination in 1906. They ordained seven other ministers.
After World War I, Unity Village was developed. It became a 1200-acre incorporated town. It began with the purchase of a farm. Originally, it was a weekend getaway. It was for the Fillmores’ downtown employees. Now Unity Village is the headquarters. It is for the prayer and publishing work of the Unity spiritual movement.
After Charles Fillmore’s death, his sons and grandchildren led the movement. Great-granddaughter Connie Fillmore stepped down as president in 2001. Governance converted to a CEO and board. The board is composed of Unity ministers and business people.
The mission of Unity World Headquarters is to help and serve. This is done through prayer and publishing. It is also done through community. Unity World Headquarters offers resources to people of all faiths.
The Unity Prayer Ministry is also known as Silent Unity. It has continuously prayed with people of all faiths. This has been done worldwide for over a century. Prayer associates respond to over 1 million prayer requests yearly.
Individual Unity churches are autonomous. Each is governed by its own board and minister. Minister training is supported by Unity Worldwide Ministries.
In 2010, there were 594 Unity churches in the United States. Unity Worldwide Ministries counts 650 churches. It also counts 1,700 licensed and ordained leaders worldwide.
Unity teaches that God is everywhere. God is always present in every circumstance. Human beings are innately good. Our thoughts have creative power. Prayer and meditation connect us to our spiritual nature. We must apply our learning in all areas of life.
Unity views God as spiritual energy. This energy is available to all people. Unity teaches the divinity of Jesus. They consider him an elder brother.
Unity considers the Bible its primary spiritual resource. Affirmative prayer is understood as the highest form of creative thought. It includes releasing negative thoughts. It also means holding statements of spiritual truth.
Note Unity emphasizes its agreements with traditional Christians. It stresses its concurrence with the teachings of Jesus. It acknowledges the influence of the Holy Spirit. Unity considers itself a non-sectarian educational institution. Unity ministers are ordained.
As you leave Christian Unity Church reflect on its message. Remember its commitment to inclusivity and spiritual growth. Let the church’s principles guide you. Embrace love and understanding in your daily life.