Unity was founded in 1889 by Charles and Myrtle Fillmore in Kansas City, Missouri, and was rooted in this couple's desire for physical healing. Both were well versed in world religions. Myrtle discovered that by repeating the affirmative prayer, "I am a child of God, therefore, I do not inherit sickness," and praying for perfect health for two years, she was healed of terminal tuberculosis. Charles used the same type of prayer that affirmed God's presence within him, and he was healed of injuries that had hampered him since childhood. Their friends soon began practicing affirmative prayer, the Fillmore's began writing about their beliefs, and the Unity movement was born.

Unity Village, located 15 miles southeast of downtown Kansas City, Missouri, was originally established by the Fillmore's as a place for people to be refreshed from the activities of daily life. The Unity School of Christianity was eventually organized, and Unity Village became its home. The Mediterranean-style grounds include 1400 acres of gardens, woodlands, and recreational facilities that attract thousands of spiritual seekers every year. Unity School is world headquarters for the 108-year old and still-growing movement. Unity groups are now found all over the world ... in North, South, and Central America; the West Indies; the Caribbean; Africa; Europe; Russia; the Middle East; India; the Pacific Rim; and Australia.