Unity Canada

One of the topics of this year’s Summit was UWM’s Identity.  Specifically, there was significant discussion around whether we are a Christian organization.  As UWM’s recent identity video indicates, this question has been discussed throughout Unity’s history, surfacing a variety of perspectives.  Unity certainly has roots in Christianity, and the teachings of Jesus, our Wayshower.  And our interpretation of those teachings is metaphysical and diverges from more traditional forms of Christianity. 

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Many thoughts were shared at the Summit and the discussion was passionate at times.  There are some who are deeply committed to the Jesus’ teachings and want to ensure that these teachings continue to hold a prominent place in our culture.  Others noted our differences from traditional Christianity, and a desire to embrace a more eclectic perspective.  There were no voices advocating that the teachings of Jesus be discarded.  Rather there was a desire to provide a more universal message. 

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The identity discussion is still underway, and the UWM board will be providing further opportunities for Unity leaders and community members to engage this conversation.  At this point, they are choosing not to refer to Unity as “Christian” while continuing to utilize the rich teachings of the Fillmores, which is of course, rooted in Jesus’ teachings.

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The new membership model was another topic of conversation that generated concern and confusion.  This was particularly true of international ministries who cannot fulfill some of the expectations outlined in the policy.  It is important for Unity ministries in Canada to understand that they do meet the 2 requirements for membership:

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1. To be a UWM approved ministry in good standing.

2. To comply with UWM bylaws and policies. (PLEASE NOTE: Canadian Unity ministries must also comply with Unity Canada bylaws and policies.)

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PLEASE BE AWARE THAT ALL UNITY MINISTRIES MUST COMPLETE AN ANNUAL REPORT TO MAINTAIN ACTIVE STATUS WITH UWM.  ALL MINISTRIES SHOULD HAVE RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF THIS BY EMAIL.  IF YOU DID NOT, PLEASE CONTACT UWM AnnualReportForms@unity.org.

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Licensed Unity Teachers were membership status at the June convention last year, and expressed concern that the membership requirements were too limiting for them.  Some ministers also expressed this concern.

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The UWM board is continuing to look at the membership policy and welcomes input.  Also, as Regional Representative, I work with the UWM Standards Team which is looking at the membership policy.  Please contact me, if there is anything you want me to bring to this conversation.

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Rev. Cynthia Vermillion-Foster

Unity Canada Regional Representative