Devastated by rejection, Carl Bean attempted suicide when he was twelve. But God brought him through. He was preparing him to help others. Welcome to Unity Fellowship Church. It stands as a testament to faith, love, and inclusion.
Founded in 1982 by Archbishop Carl Bean, the Unity Fellowship Church Movement is international. It is a beacon of hope for those who felt excluded. The church proclaims the sacredness of all lives. It empowers those oppressed and made to feel ashamed.
The Unity Fellowship Church opens its doors to all. It welcomes God’s people, especially those fighting for social justice. The church offers a place to worship God in spirit and truth. People can come just as they are.
The mission is clear. It is to nurture and proclaim mutual respect and the sacredness of all life. The church empowers members of the GLBT and affirming communities. It uses scriptures and sacred writings. Through social action, they stand for the oppressed. They educate and empower.
The Unity Fellowship Church believes God is love. Love is for everyone. This message is central to their work. They focus on liberation theology. This theology frees the oppressed. It teaches that all people have the right to question and interpret the Bible.
Carl Bean’s journey is inspiring. He celebrated a career on Broadway. He toured with the Alex Bradford Singers. Bean made Billboard charts with “I Was Born This Way”. The song celebrates being born Gay. In 1982, he answered God’s call to serve as an openly Gay minister.
The Unity Fellowship Church Movement embraces Liberation Theology. It is not oppressive to women. It is not based on a male-dominated hierarchy. It is not oppressive to Lesbian, Gay, Transgender, Bisexual, Intersexual, or Heterosexual people. It fights for social justice. It teaches that God is greater than any religion.
Under Bean’s leadership, the Minority AIDS Project was born. It is the main outreach ministry. MAP educates and serves communities of color. These communities are disproportionately affected by HIV and AIDS.
The church believes it is impossible to love each other without mutual respect. They believe in the scripture that love worketh no ill to a neighbor. They also believe it is impossible to love God and hate our siblings.
Unity Fellowship Church stands for social justice. It provides for all according to their capability. The church consoles and assists with the transition of loved ones. They serve their human family.
The vision of Unity Fellowship Church is to introduce, affirm, and enhance the validity of God in all life. It is a place where everyone is welcome. It is a community that nurtures and empowers. It is a testament to God’s unconditional love. Remember, God is love. Love is for everyone.