I
remember when we first started The James Club in Norco CA. We were harassed by
central office and inter group .Meetings in the area changed their format as to
not allow us to announce our meeting. We kept on and inter group reps would
come to our meetings, they new we were breaking an AA tradition because we had
a Bible on the table.It took a while for them and after a few special inter
group meetings it was finally settled on at AA central office that we were
violating the tradition which states no outside issues(The Bible is an outside
issue I guess). I wish I could tell you some great story but truth is we told
them to "shut up and go away" and they did we are still in the
directory we still use a Bible at our meeting. The only thing that changed is
we got so big we split into three groups and many members only go to James Club
Meetings which is unfortunate I think it's important to be involved in all
aspects of AA ;gives us a firm grounding, AA saved my life(I took a 30 year
chip last week 5/23/83) It's where I met Jesus Christ. Been almost ten years
sense we started the James Club and you know what I miss all the controversy,
maybe I need to start something it's to quiet . John Sorrells James Club Norco
Sent from my iPad
Sent from my iPad
On Jun 2, 2013, at 8:22 PM, "Dick B." <dickb@dickb.com> wrote:
Answering an email from Marcus about a tyrannical intergroup
office. There is a solution!
Thank you, Marcus.
We have helped people all over the United States and Canada
with problems like yours. There are plenty of answers. But I hope you will take
the time to purchase our recent book, "Stick with the Winners!" which
lays out a pattern you can follow and which cannot be repudiated by the A.A.
cops. I urge you to get it, in fact to get several copies, read them, and then
give me a ring as to procedure.
Recently, one group in Tucson followed to the letter and
succeeded. Another huge group in Toronto worked with us and our recommended
books and just triumphed. Two different groups in Orange County stood their
ground and are still helping drunks.
You can buy Stick with the Winners from my son Ken at
808 276 4945, or from Amazon.com. See http://mcaf.ee/s50mq for a description.
Your strongest tools are these if you learn how to use them
and stand up to be counted. The "informed group conscience" is the
first point. The second is "A loving God as He may express Himself"
in that informed group conscience—a “Tradition” far more ignored than
honored, andan almost forgotten key. Autonomy in that backdrop is the
guide.. Taking democratically conducted group conscience votes after prayer,
writing down the motion and the results, having your group secretary sign the
minutes. Having the written, signed minutes at every meeting. And telling any
intruders to read the minutes and see you after your meetings instead of
disrupting sobriety in them. Follow the other points.
Remember ALL leaders are but trusted servants. They do not
govern. Arrogance, rigidity, citing of non-existent rules and regulations go
with the territory of an unruly alcoholic meeting or fellowship. Ego rules. God
is ignored. So is autonomous voting. And if you follow the rules in our book,
you can tell your "suits" from above, your GSR, your DCM, your
delegate, your central office manager, your intergroup czars, your district,
your "managers," and any other pretentious "governor" to go
whistle.
Thank you so much for writing and asking. There is no such
thing as conference "dis-approved" literature. There is no
"index of forbidden books." in the A.A. lexicon. Nor is there
credence given to insolent, erroneous pronouncements. There are no censors or
rulers or kings in A.A. except egomania gone wild among people that ought to be
turning their attention to reliance on God and helping the alcoholic who still
suffers.
"Love and tolerance" is our stated code.
"Love and service" is the essence of the Steps. The "rule of
law" doesn't belong or exist within 100 miles of any A.A. group.
Especially when intrusive “authorities” try to make up the law and enforce it
against our brothers and sisters in the fellowship.
The more dictatorial pronouncements our members listen to
and worry about, the more the tyrants think they are acting with authority and
ruling, and replace fighting, fighting, fighting with obstructive behavior.
.
God bless,
Author and A.A. historian, retired attorney, Bible student
(pen name “Dick B.”)
46 published titles & over 1,450 articles on A.A.
history and the Christian Recovery Movement; active recovered AA member with
over 27 years of continuous sobriety
Exec. Dir., International Christian Recovery Coalition
Christian Recovery Resource Centers - Worldwide
Christian Recovery Radio
(808) 874-4876
PO Box 837, Kihei, HI 96753-0837
I shall not die, I shall live to recount the great deeds of
Yahweh.
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-----Original Message-----
From: Marcus, , , , [last name
deleted]
Sent: Sunday, June 02, 2013 4:04 PM
Subject: Intergroup tellng us we are not allowed
Hey Dick
Marcus. . . . here in Santa Rosa ca. Our intergroup
made false accusations to the groups telling the uniformed conscience that our
group is using non aa approved literature ( Dallas PPG study guides) and
that we were affiliated with the primary purpose mtg in dallas( because we are
listed on there site as a Big Book Study mtg in CA). That we have made no
contributions to IG and that we are violating the traditions. I have brought in
countless writings from GSO .aa comes of age, Dr Bob and old timers language of
the heart etc and they still go after us about buying the study guides and that
we give $$ for them. Any Ideas and help would be great.
Aloha
Marcus. . . .
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