Building Community, Deepening Spirituality, Transforming Lives.

The Founding of Unity: A Legacy of Healing, Innovation, and Spiritual Growth

Unity began with 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 Fillmore, studied her methods to achieve a similar awakening. Together, they laid the foundation for what would become Unity.

Although Methodists, originally, the Fillmores did not intend to create a church. Their mission was to share the principles of healing and spiritual discovery. They launched Unity as a correspondence course, which later evolved into healing centers—spaces 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. They encouraged students to take these teachings out into their communities, homes, workplaces, and churches, living the principles in everyday life.

The Fillmores resisted traditional church structures for as long as possible, prioritizing flexibility, innovation, and personal spiritual growth. Over time, Unity students formed spiritual centers and churches, but the original vision was always centered on learning, exploration, and living out spiritual truths rather than creating rigid systems.

Charles Fillmore, in particular, was a trailblazer. As early as 1916, he explored concepts that were ahead of his time, such as 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 as equal to Jehovah. 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’s New Zealand’s teachings. As we continue this legacy, we strive to embody and encourage these values here at Unity New Zealand, creating a space where spiritual exploration thrives and the transformative vision of the Fillmores lives on.