What is Unity?
At its core, Unity is a positive spiritual movement that seeks wisdom from many traditions. While our founders rooted their early teachings in the metaphorical and allegorical study of Jesus, today we integrate principles from a wide range of teachings and teachers. We know that every individual has a direct connection to the universal energy and wisdom we call the Divine. Therefore, we don’t have any dogma; rather, we offer spiritual practices that enable each individual’s unique spiritual and emotional growth.
- We promote a way of life that produces health, prosperity, happiness, and peace of mind.
- 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 community.
- 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 view the Bible and other sacred texts as powerful guides for spiritual growth. We hold all sacred scriptures as metaphor, myth, and allegory, rather than as literal historical facts. When we study these texts, we look at the people and stories as representations of our own human journey. Reading them with this mindset turns them into meaningful sources of guidance and inspiration in our daily lives.
How does Unity view Jesus?
We see Jesus as a great historical wayshower who used radical love and deep understanding to shift the world. We don’t believe he had literal supernatural powers; instead, we believe the capacity for that kind of world-changing compassion exists within everyone. We study his teachings not as rigid dogma, but as inspiration for living an ethical, connected, and meaningful life.
Unity, heaven and hell
We do not believe in eternal punishment or a literal geographic hell. We don’t believe in a higher power that excludes anyone from its love and compassion. Instead, we view heaven and hell as states of being right here on earth. We experience “heaven” whenever we shift our focus from fear and doubt into feelings of love, harmony, and peace. While we cannot control every challenge life brings, we believe our spiritual practice helps us navigate the world with grace rather than suffering.
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.