Roots of Unity

During the mid-1800’s in America, a period of spiritual unrest would eventually give birth to the “New Thought Movement” which ushered in a fresh, new perspective on Christianity. Its primary intention was to bridge the immense separation between humanity and the Creator. It focused on the innate goodness and sacred spirit in each person. Unity was born out of this new thought perspective.

In 1887, Unity was founded in Kansas City, Missouri by Charles and Myrtle Fillmore (Scroll down). For many years this husband-and-wife team had been seeking a personal spiritual breakthrough. Myrtle’s dramatic healing through prayer, using the powerful life-giving messages and examples from Jesus’ life, provided the insight and an awareness of an inner power and presence capable of transforming their lives. The momentum created from their inspired experiences eventually spawned the spiritual movement known as Unity.

Looking beyond any religious denominational differences, the Fillmore’s intent was to create a vehicle of spiritual support for anyone seeking a closer union with God. It was important to avoid becoming a religious denomination or “church,” in order to acknowledge and honor the numerous and diverse spiritual traditions.

Unity believes that there are many pathways to God with no one more or less correct than the others. It is the responsibility of each individual to decide for themselves which one to follow. The wagon wheel is the perfect analogy: the outer rim encompasses all ways of being, and each spoke serves as an individual pathway leading the seeker home to God at the hub.