Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion
Welcome!
This is a place of inclusivity and unity.
At Unity In Marin, we celebrate and welcome who you are: all people of color, white, non-binary, LGBTQIA+, heterosexual, people with diverse faith traditions or none, those with diverse ethnicities, nationalities and all skin colors, the disabled, or differently identified, those with diverse political persuasions – we celebrate who we are! We stand together as allies and work for a world that works for all of us. We are all celebrated and invited to the table of fellowship, respect, equity, and love.
Into a loving spiritual home, we welcome all travelers seeking peaceful respite along their journey.
Here, there are no others. We are more – because you are here.
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Media Library: Black Lives Matter
Juneteenth at UIM
In this clip, UIM Choir Director and DEI educator, Dr. Cindy Acker, gives the Sunday message and educates the UIM community about the significance of Juneteenth and the ways in which it can be celebrated by allies to the Black community.
I Am Here: Black Women in History Slideshow
Marcus Paige, tenor, performs “I Was Here” by Beyonce, underscoring a slideshow of Black women who stood in the face of significant adversity, demonstrating “true grit.”
Words That Made a Difference
Written by Unity In Marin Choir Director and DEI educator, Dr. Cindy Acker, Words That Made a Difference was produced and performed to significant acclaim with actors from the Unity In Marin community.
Kwanzaa at UIM
In this clip, Dr. Cindy Acker & her family educate the UIM community about the significance of the days of Kwanzaa as they gave the Sunday lesson on Dec. 26th, 2022.
Think Again: The Joy of Being Wrong
Senior Minister Rev. DeeAnn Weir Morency comments on the overwhelming responses to the casting for the live-action Disney version of The Little Mermaid, reminding the community that, as we are willing to rethink and acknowledge our biases, we can find ourselves wrestling with how to navigate the fact that some of our ideas and perceptions of the world are simply wrong.
Tuesday Night Prayer Vigil: George Floyd
In this clip, the Unity In Marin community gathers to express hearts regarding the murder of George Floyd and so many others at the hands of police violence and racism.
The Interplay with Race: UIM Weekly Message
In this clip, Unity In Marin community members perform “The Interplay with Race.”
Literature: Black Lives Matter
Let Us Not Forget
By Rev. Sandra Campbell
Executitive Director, Unity Urban Ministerial School; Associate Minister, Unity Temple on the Plaza (Kansas City); Board Member at Large, Unity World Headquarters
In this article, Rev. Sandra Campbell (pictured) sat down with her 99-year-old mother to discuss “the brutal murder of George Floyd at the hands of four men whose job is to serve and protect.” She reflects on the value and nature of prayer and protest: “We have the power of our conscience. We have the power of our voice. We have the power of the ballot. We can speak truth to power.”
Unity and Race: A Truthful History
By Rev. Ellen Debenport
With contributions from CEO Jim Blake, Unity Worldwide Headquarters Board Members Revs. Sandra Campbell and Charline Manuel, and Diversity Officer Alexandra Scott
In this article, Rev. Ellen Debenport (pictured) reflects on Unity’s history, admitting that “the work is far from over. And the work calls for an honest account of what happened, what is being done now, and the Unity commitment for the future.” UWH has made diversity and equity a priority, and “has moved beyond acknowledgment into a concerted, long-term program of inclusion for the Black, Hispanic, and LGBTQIA+ communities, and people with various physical disabilities.”
Media Library: LGBTQIA+ Pride
WORTHY: Finding a Spiritual Community
In this clip from Unity Worldwide Headquarters, Senior Minister Rev. DeeAnn Weir Morency discusses her journey as an out and proud lesbian through Unity spirituality and New Thought to overcome rejection to find the truth of who she is.
“I remember the first time I walked into a New Thought community,” she says, “and it was all there – it wasn’t just lip service, it was actually fully and powerfully there, that there was space for me here to be my most authentic self – and in fact, that was seen as a gift in the community. It was seen as being one of my authentic gifts.”
Free to Be 2023
We close out this month with Gay Pride Sunday as we celebrate the courage and resilience of the LGBTQ+ community. At Unity In Marin we know that each person is unique and divine, and we are proud to be an inclusive community.
What began decades ago as protest marches for equality has evolved into a celebratory month dedicated to the power of love and the joy of living as your most authentic self. The LGBTQ+ community models resilience, vision and strength continually in the journey towards equality. Join Rev. DeeAnn and the Choir as they celebrate Gay Pride Sunday and be uplifted and inspired to live your most authentic life!
Out Loud and Proud!
UIM Gay Pride 2022
Throughout Pride Month we celebrate the vibrancy of the LGBTQ+ community; a community anchored in courage and tenacity, love and connection, pride and authenticity. The call to stand as our most authentic self, even in the face of judgment and criticism is universal regardless of your sexual orientation and gender identity. The LGBTQ+ community is a living demonstration of what is possible when we fully embrace ourselves and each other.
In this talk, Rev. DeeAnn Weir Morency shares the significance of New Thought and its all-embracing capacity to uplift, no matter how you identify.
Welcome to Unity:
Supporting the LGBTQIA+ Community
Here in Unity, we believe that every single person is shining with the light of God. For 130 years, Unity has taught that no one is broken or sinful; we are born as a blessing, and everything we do is designed to support those on a spiritual journey. (Watch this clip closely for a familiar name!)
All People Are Created With Sacred Worth:
Unity LGBTQ Pride
Unity welcomes lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer visitors, and families in its centers. We ordain LGBTQ ministers and credential lay people as Licensed Unity Teachers. Unity World Headquarters continually provides resources for our ministries to support outreach in the community, individuals in need, and the congregation at large in ongoing conversations about social justice, transitioning, family support, recovery, and more.
You Are Divine:
Happy Pride!
Unity teaches that all people are created with sacred worth and that no one exists outside the heart of God. Our basic principles affirm that God is Good, and because all people exist within God, they are also inherently good. Unity founders Charles and Myrtle Fillmore believed that in accepting each other we expand our spiritual consciousness.
Literature: LGBTQIA+ Pride
WORTHY: LGBTQ Stories of Overcoming Rejection and Religion to Find Truth
Published by Unity Worldwide Ministries
Worthy is a booklet offering spiritual support from LGBTQ writers who overcame years of rejection to see themselves as dynamic expressions of God. Complete with raw, powerful stories from the LGBTQ community, Worthy is complete with reflections from Unity ministers and others who identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and queer or questioning.
A Guide to Gender Identity Terms
Published by NPR
This short, succinct article offers a brief glossary of terms surrounding gender identity and pronouns. As a gender-affirming community, Unity In Marin recognizes and embraces each person’s identity, and makes buttons with pronouns available for wearing during all functions.