Unity faith stresses spiritual education, diversity
DAILY MAIL STAFF
Love, prayer, meditation and practical application of the teachings of
Jesus Christ are basics of the Unity faith.
"Unity is a positive attitude and a positive living religion," said the Rev.
Brenda Windell, who serves as minister of Unity of Kanawha Valley. "We teach
prosperity and healing. We have classes on relationships and prayer."
The spirit of God shines through individuals who practice positive attitudes
and actions, she said.
On Oct. 9, Windell will discuss the religion at her church, Unity of Kanawha
Valley at 3102 Blaine Blvd. in North Charleston. Set for 7 to 9 p.m., the
session will include a talk, question-and-answer period, and refreshments.
The session, which is free and open to the public, is part of the ongoing
series sponsored by the Kanawha Valley Interfaith Council.
"Interfaith Growing - Growing in Unity by Understanding Diversity" is the
title of the series that began last year. Sessions so far have focused on
Islam, Hinduism, Judaism, Buddhism, Sikhism, Jainism, the Baha'i faith,
Native American spirituality and Zoroastrianism.
"One important thing we stress is spiritual education," Windell said. "We
study, read books and learn about other religions. Unity services are
inclusive. We include everyone who wants to attend a Unity church regardless
of religious affiliation."
"Daily Word" magazine is published monthly by Unity School of Christianity
in Unity Village, Mo. The publication has a circulation of 1.1 million, is
published in seven languages and is enjoyed by people of various faiths.
The publication includes uplifting words and daily scriptures. For example,
the top of the page for Oct. 6 says: "The light of God is reflected in every
face and in every kindness."
Silent Unity offers a 24-hour prayer ministry for people of all faiths.
Prayer requests are kept confidential and enfolded in continuous prayer for
30 days. The prayer line for Silent Unity is (816) 969-2000. Those who can't
afford to pay, may call toll-free (800) 669-7729. Written prayer requests
may be sent to Silent Unity, 1901 NW Blue Parkway, Unity Village, Mo.
64065-0001.
Unity was founded by Charles and Myrtle Fillmore in 1886.
"They studied world religions, took the best from all of them and named it
Unity," Windell said. "We believe in a God of compassion and love. We
believe grace comes through a relationship with Jesus Christ and following
his teachings."
Unity teaches the possibility of reincarnation, emphasizes acceptance of all
people, promotes healthy lifestyles, and encourages followers to adhere to
the Ten Commandments.
"We believe in miracles," Windell said. "We have a slogan, 'Expect a
miracle.' Another slogan is, 'Let go and let God.' We emphasize meditation.
We define it as listening to God in the silence."
Windell will discuss the history and the basics of the faith 7 p.m. Tuesday.
Also on hand will be the board members of the church and Windell's husband,
the Rev. Sam Windell, who is also a Unity minister.
The husband and wife team are currently starting another Unity church in the
Huntington area. The North Charleston location, now the only Unity church in
West Virginia, has about 60 members. Unity's denominational arm includes 915
Unity churches and study groups, which are affiliated with the Association
of Unity Churches. More information on the faith is available on the Web
site www.unityworldhq.org
Religious leaders who are interested in sponsoring an evening on their faith
may send a written request on letterhead to the Rev. Linda Geronilla, 92
Cook Drive, Charleston, WV 25314.
Writer Charlotte Ferrell Smith can be reached at 348-1246 or by e- mail at
charlotte@dailymail.com.
©Copyright 2001, Charleston Daily Mail
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