About Unity

Unity was founded in 1889 in Kansas City, Missouri, by Charles and Myrtle Fillmore. Myrtle used prayer and affirmations to heal lifelong physical ailments, and others became interested in her spiritual methods of healing. The Fillmores published their first magazine in 1889, eventually reaching millions through their publishing. Small prayer circles that began in living rooms burgeoned into a movement today with more than 500 study groups and churches around the world. The Unity organization is headquartered at Unity Village, an incorporated township in the suburbs of Kansas City. The Unity Village campus is known for its Mediterranean architecture, beautiful landscapes with fountains and a rose garden, and a hotel and golf course. It hosts a retreats, weddings, and conferences throughout the year. Learn more at unityvillage.org.

What is New Thought?
New Thought was born out of a movement mostly in the United States and was partially inspired by Transcendentalists like Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry David Thoreau, John Muir and others. In the early to mid 1800's, they were exploring the interconnectedness of God, nature and humankind and were seeking a spirituality independent of religion. These ideas were fused with Vedic thought, which was first introduced in the U.S. by Swami Vivekananda in 1893 at the first World Parliament of Religions in Chicago, Illinois. (Unity cofounders Charles and Myrtle Fillmore attended.)

With this lens, New Thought pioneers found a new way of looking at the Bible, namely a metaphysical and mostly symbolic interpretation. They endeavored to find the heart and true spiritual meaning of Jesus’ teachings -- they looked where Jesus was pointing but refrained from looking to and glorifying the pointer.

They took to heart the master’s instruction, “Whatever you shall ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” This idea is the basis of affirmative prayer – which is the type of prayer that we practice in New Thought. We begin with a realization that we are all expressions of God, and as such embody all the qualities of the Divine. We work to develop a belief that the good we are seeking in prayer – well-being, harmony, love, joy, abundance and peace -- is already our spiritual reality. As we contemplate that spiritual reality more than we focus on the temporary human limitations, we begin to embody it.

Emerson said, “Prayer is the contemplation of facts from the Highest point of view.” When we pray for others we contemplate this Highest point of view for them and attempt to see them as God does, whole, complete and perfect. And because we are all connected on the invisible side of life, there is something within the one for whom we are praying that hears that affirmation of Truth and responds to it. As the person opens to healing and transformation, a healing will occur in their life. This is what we know, and we have seen it proven time and time again.

This is the basis of the prayer work on which Silent Unity was founded...prayer work which has helped thousands and thousands of people. It is how Unity began, and it is the Fillmore’s greatest legacy.

Today, the New Thought movement draws from the wisdom and truths found in all of the religions and spiritual traditions found in the world. Organizations in this movement include Unity, Centers for Spiritual Living (Religious Science), Agape International Spiritual Center, and the Association for Global New Thought (AGNT).

Prayer and Meditation
Prayer and Meditation Affirmative prayer is the highest form of creative thought. It includes the release of counterproductive, negative thoughts, then holding in mind statements of spiritual truth. In meditation, we experience the presence of God and align with our divine nature. Prayer and meditation heighten our awareness and thereby transform our lives.

Spiritual Action
In Unity, we feel a sacred responsibility, individually and collectively, to make a positive difference through personal example and active service in our ministries, our communities, and our world. We see all people as individual expressions of God and honor their divine nature. Our service to others reminds us we are all one, and we embrace the rich diversity of creation in terms of race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic circumstances, and physical abilities. We make an effort to welcome and include all people in our spiritual gatherings.

Youth and Families
Unity recognizes that there are many expressions of family life. All are welcome. Unity creates an affirming environment that fosters positive self-image, personal responsibility, and unconditional love and acceptance.

 • Beholds all children as whole and perfect expressions of God
• Empowers children to fulfill their divine potential
• Teaches children to meditate and pray
• Invites children to experience a loving God Unity provides a strong spiritual foundation for children’s lives.