AA leaders tell group praying at the start of meetings that it has become too Christian-focused

by

Alcoholics Anonymous leaders tell group praying at the start of meetings it has become too Christian-focused and removes it from online directory

  • Group’s treasurer pointed out that the AA was started in the 1930s by Christians
  • He slammed the ‘ridiculous decision’, adding that the group is ‘being shut down’
  • Concerns aired at meeting of Alcoholic Anonymous administrators in Somerset
  • They also noted that someone said the ‘only way to recovery is through Jesus’

By Ian Gallagher For The Mail On Sunday

Published: | Updated:


An Alcoholics Anonymous group is under threat after being censured for reciting the Lord’s Prayer at the start of meetings.

The group in Somerset was told by leaders it had become too Christian-focused and has been removed from the organisation’s online directory.

But John Palmer, treasurer of the group in Yeovil, pointed out that the AA was started in the 1930s by Christians and that it adopted and popularised the Serenity Prayer, which is recited at the end of meetings across the world.

‘It’s a ridiculous decision,’ said Mr Palmer. ‘They’ve removed us from the “Find a meeting” section of the AA website which will prevent new members from finding us. In other words, we’re being shut down.’

The group in Somerset was told by leaders it had become too Christian-focused and has been removed from the organisation’s online directory (file photo)

Concerns were aired at a meeting of AA administrators in Somerset, who recorded in the minutes that the Yeovil group was ‘lovely but not [run] along AA guidelines’.

They also noted with disapproval that someone had announced that the ‘only way to recovery is through Jesus’, with the minutes adding: ‘They have gone against the traditions, nothing wrong with talking about Jesus but this is not AA.’ It concluded that the group ‘must be kept separate’.

Mr Palmer, a retired businessman, said the group began five years ago and aimed to reflect the movement’s ‘traditional roots’. 

‘We aren’t happy-clappy and nor do we press Christianity on people,’ he added.

But John Palmer, treasurer of the group in Yeovil, pointed out that the AA was started in the 1930s by Christians and that it adopted and popularised the Serenity Prayer, which is recited at the end of meetings across the world (file photo)

But John Palmer, treasurer of the group in Yeovil, pointed out that the AA was started in the 1930s by Christians and that it adopted and popularised the Serenity Prayer, which is recited at the end of meetings across the world (file photo)

Andrea Williams, chief executive of Christian Concern, said: ‘The power of the Christmas message is what inspired the setting up of AA, following the radical transformation alcoholics experienced after encountering the hope and healing found in Jesus.

‘Separating and punishing Christians so they cannot attract new members for sharing the gospel message of hope is disturbing and ludicrous.

‘It is sad, but not surprising in our world of cancel culture, to hear that the gospel message, which is rooted in the Christmas story, is no longer appropriate for AA and must be kept separate.’

AA did not respond to requests for comment.