Rev. James Gaither
Vice-President & DEIJB Representative

vice-president@unitysouthcentral.org & deijbrepresentative@unitysouthcentral.org

Rev. James Gaither, Th.D., was ordained a Unity Minister in 1979, has earned a M.A. in Philosophy and a Doctorate in Theology. He has taught in Unity Ministerial and Spiritual Education for over 30 years and has been Minister in Unity churches for over 12 years. His first ministry was in Collinsville, IL. His second ministry was in New York City where he served as Eric Butterworth’s successor. The New York ministry named him “Pastor Emeritus.”

James has also served as President of Holos University Graduate Seminary and Director of Academic and Student Affairs for Unity Worldwide Spiritual Institute. He has been a regular contributor to Unity Magazine for over 35 years. He has published two books: The Essential Charles Fillmore and The Hidden Realm of God: the Historical Jesus & His Healing Philosophy. In addition, James was co-host of one of Unity.fm’s first weekly internet radio programs. He is a recipient of the “Charles Fillmore Award for Visionary Leadership” from Unity Worldwide Ministries.

As UWSI Director of Academic and Student Affairs, James helped up the Unity education program after it was transferred to Unity Worldwide Ministries from Unity World Headquarters. James retired from full-time ministry in 2018 but continues to teach as an adjunct professor for both UWSI and Unity Urban Ministerial School. He also teaches philosophy and religion courses for Holos Graduate Seminary, Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, affiliated with the University of Kansas, and regularly serves as a guest speaker in Unity ministries.