What is Unity
At its core, Unity is a positive spiritual practice that seeks wisdom and enlightenment from many spiritual traditions. Our founders considered their teachings to be “Practical Christianity,” and they looked at all scripture as metaphor and allegory. As we have grown, we have included principles from a wide range of teachings and teachers. We know that each individual has a connection to the eternal Truth and power that we call the Divine. Therefore, we don’t have any dogma; rather, we have spiritual practices that enable each individual’s spiritual and emotional growth.
- We promote a way of life that produces health, prosperity, happiness, and peace of mind. Unity has established centers of education and worship throughout the world.
- We address physical, mental, and emotional needs through Affirmative Prayer and spiritual education.
- We serve those who seek inspiration and prayer support.
- We believe that all people are created with sacred value, and we strive to reach out to those seeking a supportive spiritual growth.
- Our ministries and outreaches are free of discrimination on the basis of race, gender identity, age, creed, religion, national origin, ethnicity, physical disability, and sexual orientation. We build spiritually aware organizations that support and encourage diversity.
Unity beliefs on Sacred Texts
We use the Bible and other sacred texts as a spiritual guide to enlightenment. We hold all sacred scriptures as metaphor and allegory, rather than as historical facts. We also know that each person and story in these holy texts represent some aspect of our spiritual life, and when we read and study them with this in mind, they become a vital and useful tool in our journey.
Does Unity believe in Jesus?
We know that Jesus of Nazareth was a son of God. However, Unity explains that the Divine Spirit was in Jesus, just as it lives in every person. Each person has the potential of expressing the perfection of the Christ as Jesus did, by attuning to the Christ presence in everyday life.
Unity heaven and hell
We don’t believe in Sin, in the traditional sense. We would describe sin as missing the mark, or separation from the Divine in our consciousness. Salvation is in the moment we realize our true nature and that we can never truly be separated from the Divine Source; it is not something that happens after death of the body. It occurs whenever we transform our thoughts, opinions, and actions from fear, anxiety, worry, and doubt into feelings and beliefs of love, harmony, joy, and peace. We don’t believe in a higher power that excludes anyone from its love and compassion, and we speak of heaven and hell as states of consciousness, not geographic sites – we know that we create our heaven or hell in this world, by our thoughts, words, and deeds.
Is Unity, Unitarianism?
No, there is no connection – although there is sometimes confusion because of the similarity of the names. Each is a distinct organization with its own set of beliefs, practices, and traditions.
OUR STORY & ROOTS
The Unity Movement
Before Unity San Francisco opened its doors, the Unity movement began in the late 1800s with Charles and Myrtle Fillmore. Seeking healing for lifelong ailments, they discovered that prayer and the power of the mind could transform the body. This revelation led to the founding of Silent Unity and the principles of ‘Practical Christianity’ that guide us today.
1919
Our Foundation: Cecilia Cardwell founds the Unity Center of Practical Christianity. We establish our first spiritual home at 165 Post Street, planting the seeds of progressive spirituality in San Francisco.
1950
1920–1959: The "Wandering" Decades For forty years, our congregation proves that the church is the people, not the steeple. The community thrives while moving between nine different rental locations across the city.
1960
A Permanent Sanctuary: We purchase our first owned building at 965 9th Street. It is during this era that Dr. Maya Angelou begins her journey as a Truth Student with us, later noting that Unity is where she finally realized, "God loves me."
1994
The Bush Street Era: Under the leadership of Rev. Paul Tenaglia, we purchase and renovate a Victorian storefront at 2222 Bush Street in Lower Pacific Heights. This location defines a new chapter of growth and visibility for the ministry.
2019
Welcome to Hayes Valley: We purchase our current home at 240 Page Street. Extensive renovations begin to transform the historic building into a modern center for spiritual living.
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THE FOUNDATION OF OUR COMMUNITY
THE BOARD
Comprised of experienced leaders delivering strategic oversight and governance. They act as stewards of our mission, guiding long-term vision and ensuring sustainable impact for the entire community.
THE TEAM
The dedicated professionals driving our daily operations. They curate our programming, manage resources, and foster the welcoming environment that brings our shared mission to life on the ground.
THE MEMBERSHIP
The true heartbeat of Unity. Our diverse collective of individuals and organizations contributes the energy, perspectives, and participation that fuels our purpose and defines our culture.