About Unity
What makes Unity distinctive?
Unity emphasises Oneness, the divine force that connects us all in creativity and the expression of truth. God / Love / Life / Source / Spirit / the Law / [insert your own language] is the One Presence and the One Power. Unity students often say that Jesus was not the great exception but the great Example, showing the way of and to the Christ that is the divine spark and potential in us all. Unity welcomes people from all religious traditions - or none. The spiritual path you choose is yours.
What is Unity prayer?
Unity prayer is affirmative. It does not give space to what we do not want to see; it focuses on what we are wanting and learning to receive. Unity affirms peace for all people and nations regardless of politics, religion or history.
Visit our growing prayer library. Also, learn about Unity’s international prayer ministry.
What next?
Take a look at resources for spiritual development. These include our events and newsletters, an extensive range of classes offered by the Unity National School Australasia, Unity publications and online guides to Unity teachings and meditation. We hold a monthly Sunday service, in Auckland and on Zoom. If you live in or around Tauranga or Wellington, there are Unity groups there.
Sign up for our newsletters to stay in touch. Contact us at any time.
Five basic principles
Unity encourages the application of five spiritual principles in daily life, emphasizing the importance of love, compassion, forgiveness and positive thinking. Note that Unity consists of a network of independent spiritual centres globally. Each Unity community may interpret and express these principles in its own unique way while remaining aligned with the core teachings of Unity.
God is everywhere and always present in every circumstance. This divine energy underlies and animates all of existence.
Human beings are innately good because they are connected to and an expression of Spirit.
Our thoughts have creative power to influence events and determine our experiences.
Prayer and meditation connect and align us to our own spiritual nature within God.
It is not enough to understand spiritual teachings. We must apply our learning in all areas of life, incorporating them into our thoughts, words, and actions.
The origins of Unity in the late 1800s are a remarkable story of healing and transformation. Myrtle Fillmore, one of Unity’s founders, cured herself of tuberculosis through spiritual practices and elevated consciousness. Inspired by her healing, her husband Charles studied her methods to achieve a similar awakening. Together, they laid the foundation for what would become Unity.
The Fillmores did not intend to create a new church. They aimed to share the principles of healing and spiritual discovery. They launched Unity as a correspondence course. It later evolved into healing centres for profound spiritual transformation and divine exploration. They believed that by learning to heal as Jesus did, individuals would naturally embody Unity's core principles. Students would take these teachings into their homes, workplaces, churches and communities, and live the principles in everyday life.
Charles and Myrtle resisted traditional church structures for as long as possible, prioritizing flexibility, innovation and personal spiritual growth rather than rigid systems. Although over time Unity students formed spiritual centres and churches, the focus remained on exploration and living out spiritual truths.
Charles Fillmore was a trailblazer. As early as 1916, he explored concepts that were ahead of his time: quantum physics, theosophy, reincarnation, metaphysical Bible interpretation, the divine feminine and even aspects of pagan rituals. These explorations reflected his pioneering spirit and openness to spiritual innovation.
One profound insight came during a severe illness, when Charles realized that humanity could not fully progress until the divine feminine was embraced. This belief was enshrined in Unity's Statement of Faith as Principle 16, highlighting the transformative power of balance and inclusion.
Charles often expressed his adventurous approach to spirituality. In his famous tagline, ‘I reserve the right to change my mind.’ He understood that growth, change and evolution are essential to spiritual life. Both Charles and Myrtle were spiritual adventurers, unafraid to challenge traditions, expand horizons and explore new ideas, all while maintaining a high level of Christ consciousness.
This spirit of curiosity, inspiration, connection and innovation remains at the heart of Unity teachings. As we continue this legacy in New Zealand, we strive to create a space where spiritual exploration thrives and the transformative vision of the Fillmores lives on.