At Unity North Atlanta, we believe every individual is a reflection of the Divine. Our commitment to inclusivity, especially when it comes to embracing and celebrating the LGBTQ+ community, flows directly from our core values: love, acceptance, and Oneness. We affirm that every person, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression, has sacred worth and is welcome here.
Our Core Belief: All Are Expressions of the Divine
Unity North Atlanta lives by the principle that God is good and present in every person. This means no one is outside of Divine love. We take seriously the call to create a spiritual home where all feel seen, valued, and celebrated. The LGBTQ+ community is not just welcome in our sanctuary; it is an integral part of who we are.
Our mission statement, “We are a loving community of spiritual seekers who celebrate diversity, acceptance, and Oneness,” guides every choice we make. For us, diversity is not a buzzword; it is a sacred truth. Inclusion isn’t simply about opening the door; it’s about creating a space where people feel they belong, are valued, supported, and inspired.
A Place for Celebration and Healing
We recognize that many LGBTQ+ individuals have experienced spiritual trauma in communities where they were judged, excluded, or silenced. At Unity North Atlanta, we seek to be a place of healing and reconciliation. Here, love is unconditional, and acceptance is non-negotiable.
Our community gathers to celebrate milestones such as weddings, memorials, and blessings that honor the dignity of every person. We have been proud to host same-sex weddings and ceremonies, and we joyfully bless families in all their diverse forms. These sacred celebrations honor love in all its forms as holy expressions of the Divine.
Participation and Leadership
Inclusion at Unity North Atlanta is not limited to the Sanctuary. LGBTQ+ individuals are active leaders, volunteers, and ministers within our community. Whether serving as prayer chaplains, musicians, facilitators, or board members, LGBTQ+ members play essential roles in shaping the life of our spiritual community.
Our belief in equality also extends to ordination and spiritual leadership. While Unity as a global movement welcomes LGBTQ+ ministers, Unity North Atlanta embodies that value locally by affirming the leadership of LGBTQ+ individuals in our ministries and programs.
Beyond the Walls: Pride and Public Witness
Inclusion is something we practice not only inside our Sanctuary, but also in the wider world. Our presence at the Atlanta Pride Parade, for example, affirms that spirituality and LGBTQ+ pride are not in conflict, but beautifully aligned.
Safe Spaces for Connection
Within our campus, we intentionally create safe spaces for conversation and community. From services to small-group ministries, we ensure LGBTQ+ individuals and families know they are embraced just as they are.
Our youth ministry reflects this commitment by fostering an environment where teens can bring their whole selves to spiritual exploration. For young LGBTQ+ people, many of whom are navigating questions of identity, this kind of environment is life-affirming.
Our LGBTQ+ & Friends Ministry gathers on the second Sunday of each month following the second service in the Connections (YOU) Room. Beyond our monthly meetings, we offer ongoing opportunities for meaningful dialogue and events that explore diversity, equity, and inclusion from a spiritual lens. These gatherings nurture our growth as a community, inviting us to learn from one another and deepen our shared practice of Oneness.
Grounded in Unity’s Broader Commitment
While our focus is local, Unity North Atlanta is proud to be part of the wider Unity movement, which affirms the sacred worth of all people. Unity Worldwide Ministries issued a formal Statement of Diversity and Inclusion, declaring that sexual orientation and gender identity should never be barriers to spiritual participation or leadership.
This broader affirmation gives us a strong foundation. But here in Marietta, Georgia, we bring that commitment to life in unique and practical ways, serving our neighbors, walking in Pride, and celebrating diversity as central to who we are.
Love in Action
Unity North Atlanta’s commitment to the LGBTQ+ community is not just a statement; it is a practice. It is lived out in our ministry, our leadership, our youth ministry, and our daily interactions.
We are a spiritual community where diversity is celebrated, authenticity is honored, and love is the guiding principle. Here, every person can discover the joy of belonging, the healing of acceptance, and the transformative power of Oneness.
For anyone who has ever wondered if there is a spiritual community that will love you as you are, Unity North Atlanta wants you to know: the answer is yes!