A local branch of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) has been removed from a regional AA directory because of its Christian ethos.
Somerset Intergroup of Alcoholics Anonymous has removed the Yeovil group from its listings after a new member reportedly complained about its Christian ethos. The Somerset Intergroup said a pamphlet used by the local group – written by 75 AA members and stating that the only way to recovery is through Jesus – has its place, ‘but not within the AA’.
John Palmer, Yeovil treasurer and a former alcoholic, introduced the Lord’s Prayer to meetings a year ago. He said he was shocked by the decision and has asked Christian Concern for help.
He said: ‘Over the years I have seen Christianity being eroded and marginalised from the organisation as a whole.’
The Somerset Intergroup’s own website includes the AA Preamble which reads: ‘The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking … AA is not allied with any sect, denomination, politics, organisation or institution; does not wish to engage in any controversy; neither endorses nor opposes any causes’.
