Photo by Jesse Chambers.
Unity of Birmingham member Leon Bowsky, center, chats with attendees at the Friday noontime Metaphysical Musings group at Unity of Birmingham church.
Unity of Birmingham near Rhodes Park is a Christian church, but it’s a free-thinking place, according to long-time member Joan Tufts.
”We aren’t told what we must believe,” she said. “Our attitude is, ‘Take what works for you and leave the rest.’”
In addition, all people are accepted there, according to Will Turner, president of Unity’s Board of Trustees.
“It’s a friendly, welcoming, loving environment for everyone, regardless of their previous religious background, their race or whom they choose to love,” Turner said.
And Unity is perhaps an overlooked resource for the intellectually curious or spiritually hungry. In addition to worship services, Unity regularly programs speakers, workshops, study groups and other activities.
Participants in the Sunday Morning Trust Circle study the popular book, “A Hidden Wholeness,” searching for what Tufts calls “inner wisdom.” There’s the Friday noontime Metaphysical Musings group, with attendees bringing their lunches.
In the Mystics Study Group, attendees have studied the Kabbalah or early Christian texts not included in the New Testament. There’s also healing yoga for women and a 12-step group.
“We call ourselves a church for people who don’t like church,” Turner said.
For information, including an events schedule, call 251-3713 or go to unitybham.org.
