Unity’s founding principles
A world powerfully transformed through the growing movement of shared spiritual awakening.
Mission
Advancing the movement of spiritual awakening and transformation through Unity, a positive path for spiritual living.
Purpose
Develop, equip, and support Unity members and communities to grow in innovative, sustainable, and cutting-edge ways.
Values
Supportive—Seeking to find what is needed and filling that need.
Inclusive—Creating an environment that fosters a culture of trust, respect, and belonging.
Resourceful—Finding the workable way forward with creative solutions.
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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: There is one infinite presence and power that permeates my life and the entire Universe—God, the good, omnipotent. In this divine presence, I live, move and have my being. God is Absolute Good, unchanging and ever-present, the eternal source of all love, light and life.
I AM: We are created in the image of God, our very essence infused with divine goodness. This sacred truth reveals that within us lies the spark of Divine Love, a reflection of the God essence fully embodied in Jesus the Christ. We are reminded of our inherent capacity to live as vessels of boundless love and grace.
I THINK: Our thoughts shape our reality, creating the foundation of our experiences. By aligning our thinking with divine wisdom and truth, we become co-creators of a life filled with purpose, joy and love.
I PRAY: Through prayer and meditation, we open ourselves to the profound mystery of the Divine, tapping into God's limitless essence. In this sacred connection, our heart and mind align with the infinite love, wisdom and guidance of God.
I ACT: Action is the bridge between faith and fulfillment. Through our thoughts, words and deeds, we bring the Truth we know to life, embodying divine wisdom and love in every step we take.
How did Unity begin?
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 and Myrtle Fillmore
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.