An Overview of the Unity Movement

Unity is a philosophy of life that emphasizes a positive approach to Christianity and daily living and is based on the principles of Truth taught and exemplified by Jesus the Christ. Unity’s philosophy is shared by millions of people around the World. We welcome all people regardless of religious background and serve their spiritual needs through prayer, education, publishing and being of loving service. Unity is a way of life that leads to health, prosperity, happiness, and peace of mind.

A Trans-denominational

Unity is a trans-denominational movement. In other words, we believe that there are similar inner meanings and spiritual symbolisms in the religion, literature and mythology of all cultures. When you look at the similarities of religions and spiritual paths from around the world, you realize we all have at the core, similar beliefs and truths. However, we have labeled them with different terminology and chosen different ways to express our understanding. Consequently, it is easy to come away with a different interpretation of the same Truth. In Unity, we choose to look for and to see the similarities, the good, and the Truth in all expressions of worship. No church is thought to be "the wrong way" and no church, including Unity, is "the only right way". Although we definitely believe that there are some faulty doctrines and teachings that lead people into the darkness of the heart and mind. Nevertheless, we trust the Spirit of Truth indwelling in everyone to lead each person to the path that serves them best in learning about their individual relationships with God, the one creative force in the Universe.

Unity’s Beginnings:

The seeds of Unity were planted in 1886 with the application of Spiritual Truth by Myrtle Fillmore (Co-Founder of Unity), which resulted in Myrtle’s healing of tuberculosis. Myrtle had been told her life was near its ending. With three young children she refused to accept the judgment of the doctors and began a search for her life. While attending a lecture of Dr. E.B. Weeks, a student of Emma Curtis Hopkins at the Metaphysical in Chicago, Myrtle heard a phrase that she knew to be the Truth. It was a phrase which resonated with her soul. She came out of the hall that evening repeating to herself, “I am a child of God and therefore I do not inherit sickness." She was struck by the realization of her spiritual identity. Myrtle went home and threw away all her medicines. She began to look at herself differently and in the months to follow she was totally healed. People that Myrtle knew noticed what had occurred to her and they began to ask for advice and prayer support. The "word" spread. Within a few years Myrtle formed the Society of Silent Help (Silent Unity) as a means to support people with their prayers.

In the early days of Unity Charles and Myrtle Fillmore did not foresee the establishment of another religious discipline. Instead, they saw their efforts as means to support others in their own spiritual beliefs and spiritual evolution. However, others seemed to be drawn together through the "Law of Attraction" (Like attracts like) and people of like mind began to create study groups, centers, and churches to share information and support one another in learning, fellowship, and worship. Many of us have learned that it is much easier to implement changes in our thinking and into our daily lives when we are being supported by others traveling the same path. Unity has grown as result of prayer, healing, and the "Law of Attraction."