History of Inner Light

Inner Light Ministries was founded on July 4, 1993, in Washington, D.C., holding its first worship service at First Congregational Church, 10th & G Streets NW, with ten committed founding members. Bishop Kwabena Rainier Cheeks, D.D., served as the founding Pastor—now Pastor Emeritus—and faithfully shepherded the ministry from its inception as Inner Light Unity Fellowship Church until July 2022.

Today, the church is led by The Reverend Dr. Wallace R. Henry III, who continues the legacy of spiritual empowerment, radical welcome, and transformative love established by our founder. Throughout its early history, Inner Light served as a beacon of the Unity Fellowship Church Movement in the Washington, D.C. area, affirming God as Love and upholding the universal command to love God, love oneself, and love one’s neighbor.

In April 2002, Inner Light became an independent ministry committed to the “Radical Inclusiveness” taught by Jesus Christ. We are a Christian ministry grounded in Liberation Theology and Social Justice, dedicated to healing the whole person—body, mind, and spirit—and to freeing all people from systems of dominance, exclusion, and oppression. As a proudly African American community, we strive for the liberation and flourishing of all humanity.

At our inception, Bishop Cheeks declared, “I am a WHOSOEVER,” drawn from John 3:16—reminding us that God’s love and promise of eternal life extend to all who believe. This commitment to the sacred dignity of every person remains at the core of our identity.

In 2017, Inner Light formally entered into affiliation with the United Church of Christ, deepening our connection to a wider faith community that shares our values of justice, inclusivity, and extravagant welcome.