Unity Reimagined

Unity’s Two Organizations: How We Got Here and What’s Next

As a congregant of Unity Church of the Hills, you may not realize that Unity is currently made up of two separate nonprofit organizations: Unity World Headquarters (UWH) and Unity Worldwide Ministries (UWM). Both trace their roots back to Unity’s founders, Charles and Myrtle Fillmore, and both carry out key parts of Unity’s spiritual mission—but they do so in distinct ways.

Many of us have an awareness of Unity’s origin story. The Unity movement began in 1889 with co-founder Myrtle Fillmore’s personal healing experience and Charles and Myrtle's commitment to spiritual principles. They began publishing spiritual materials and offering prayer support and eventually launched Daily Word and Silent Unity. These ministries still thrive today. In 1919, they purchased land outside Kansas City, Missouri, to house their growing operations. That land became Unity Village, now home to Unity World Headquarters. You can click here to learn more about the history and beautiful mecca that is Unity Village. This place is a truly sacred gift to those of us in Unity. 

As Unity expanded, new churches and ministers formed across the country. Initially supported directly by the Fillmore’s team at Unity School of Christianity (now known as Unity World Headquarters), ministers eventually called for a separate body to support the unique needs of field ministries. In 1966, the Association of Unity Churches (AUC) was born. It later became Unity Worldwide Ministries (UWM) in 2011.

This created a two-organization structure:

• UWH with a mission to “help and serve through prayer, publishing, and community,” focuses on publishing (Daily Word, Spirituality & Health Magazine, etc.), prayer ministry (Silent Unity), events, retreats, and maintaining Unity Village.

• UWM, whose purpose is to “develop, equip, and support Unity leaders and communities to grow in innovative, sustainable, and cutting-edge ways,” supports churches and ministers by overseeing credentialing, leadership development, and ministry services.

In 2016, UWM also took over Unity’s educational programs through Unity Worldwide Spiritual Institute (UWSI).

Although both organizations are rooted in the same spiritual tradition, they have their own boards, staff, finances, and decision-making processes. In 2017, UWM relocated its offices to Unity Village, physically reuniting the two but not merging them.

Over the years, this structure has worked—but not without tension or inefficiency. Differences in governance models, budgeting, and roles have sparked periodic conversation and research about the best way forward. Some believe that maintaining two organizations dilutes energy and resources. Others see value in the checks and balances this structure provides.

Now, in 2025, the Unity movement is again engaging in a discernment process called Unity Reimagined. The proposal: to merge UWH and UWM into a single, unified organization. A vote on the merger is scheduled for November 2025. Supporters believe this will bring greater alignment and clarity to Unity’s mission. Others have raised thoughtful questions about representation, education, and the implications for churches and leaders.

Regardless of the outcome, this moment invites all Unity participants to reflect on our shared history, our evolving identity, and the possibilities that lie ahead.

Learn more about Unity World Headquarters.

Learn more about Unity Worldwide Ministries.

Learn more about Unity Worldwide Ministries history and evolving structure.

Learn about Unity Reimagined and the proposed coming together of the two organizations.