See here for original blog entry
Under Readers' comments
“how
to protect the vulnerable in AA …....
Unfortunately
I think that GSO would be able to beat a Midtown-like lawsuit.There
really is too wide a separation between the groups and NY. However I
do believe that the hosting facilities (most of which are churches)
can be spooked enough to ban groups on a case by case basis, unless
such groups show that they have proper guidelines in place to protect
the vulnerable. In my mind these guidelines would include:
-
A stated group policy concerning admission for parolees, registered
sex offenders.
-
A stated group policy regarding sponsorship qualifications,
background checks.
Think
about it. If I as a pastor or facilities manager have opened my
doors to a group that does not have such policies in place then I am
being negligent in my responsibility to protect visitors to my
facility. To me, it’s almost like not adhering to the fire code.
All
it will take is one civil lawsuit that links a meeting place to
having facilitated abuse by an AA group. Trust me, the hike in
insurance premiums will then cause many doors to close to AA.
I’m
actually thinking of sending out letters to a number of churches in
my area warning them of the potential for abuse within the groups. I
bet it will have an impact on making AA more accountable.
…....”
Cheers
The
Fellas (Friends
of Alcoholics Anonymous)
PS
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Civil lawsuits have been a great genesis of change. Nothing like costing someone money to get them to re-evaluate their ethics. Even is the cost is for a defense attorney to defend you against a frivolous lawsuit. However, I would caution you against contacting the churches. That action could bring about intended AND unintended consequences that once in motion could be difficult to control. A better action might be to work within the structure of AA to force it to follow all its Traditions.
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