History

Our Story

Unity’s earth care roots come from the deep desire to express Unity's belief in our oneness with all life in ways that directly impact our planet. A vision of value and care for creation was expressed by Unity founders Charles and Myrtle Fillmore. 

Charles Filmore: '…the intelligence inherent in every form, animate or inanimate. It has been discovered that even rocks and all minerals have life. We should be speaking

words of truth to everything, not only to mankind but to the mineral, vegetable, and animal kingdoms.' (Christian Healing, The Word, #14, p.68)

Myrtle Fillmore: '…I was almost accused of being a nature worshiper when I was a little girl. And I have always loved what I see in nature, as well as in all artists who are so close to the beauty side of God. Nature is surely the glorified face of Good. See the beauty about you and you do see the manifestation of the infinite Mind'. (Myrtle Fillmore: Mother of Unity by Thomas Witherspoon, p.280)

2001-2003: the idea for Unity EarthCare began in 2001 when Unity minister Kathy Harwood Long represented Unity at "Sacred Encounters", an interfaith conference on the environment in the Pacific Northwest. In 2002, at Rev. Long’s invitation, the Northwest Regional Unity conference body adopted their earth care initiative. In 2003 the earliest team, Unity EarthCare International (UEI), begins with Rev. Long by developing ideas for a seven step 'Path to EarthCare' model. 

2005: The Great Lakes Unity Region adopted Rev. Long’s proposal for EarthCare initiative with 100% voting in favor.   

2007: UEI becomes an official team of Unity Worldwide Ministries (UWM), at that time under the umbrella of Unity Spiritual Action, with Rev. Long, Kym Farmer, Ron Habin, Mike McCord, and Beth Remmes. 
 

2008: Kym Farmer, Ron Habin and Mike McCord attended the January Mid-year meetings at Unity Village where EarthCare activities, goals, and related documents were presented. EarthCare was also made part of the Thriving in Unity 1.0 program as a benchmark and component.

2012: The Unity EarthCare team continues, no longer under Spiritual Social Action.

2025: As the longest standing team of individuals in UWM, application for ministry was approved with full support of the Unity Worldwide Ministry board of trustees. Unity EarthCare Alliance ministry is supported by its Board of Trustees members: Rev. Eliasa Sabogal - President, Rev. Cylvia Hayes - Vice President, Mary Gerken- Treasurer, Mike McCord- Secretary. Rev. Kathy Harwood-Long serves as the Lead Minister. 

Additionally, the Advisory Council to the board is currently filled by remaining team members: Beth Remmes, Helen Wright, Martha Powers and Angela Tetrault.  Sponsoring Minister and former team member: Rev. Sharon Ketchum