Tradition Five

Short form:

"Five—Each group has but one primary purpose—to carry its message to the alcoholic who still suffers."

Long form:

"5.—Each Alcoholics Anonymous group ought to be a spiritual entity having but one primary purpose—that of carrying its message to the alcoholic who still suffers."

(our emphases)

A pretty straightforward, uncomplicated guideline (emphasised by the word "ought"). The term "spiritual" as usual is slightly problematic and understood necessarily according to interpretation (which varies widely - thankfully - within AA). However the word "entity" might be worth having a look at:

1. Something that exists as a particular and discrete unit: Persons and corporations are equivalent entities under the law.
2. The fact of existence; being.
3. The existence of something considered apart from its properties.

The 3rd definition suggests that an AA group might be considered to exist as something quite apart from its properties - or to put it another way - it is some thing more than the sum of these, and which properties include its 'parts', ie. the members of this particular AA group. From this it would follow that a group is not simply an aggregation of individuals competing to further their own particular agenda, and possibly forming factions to promote these, but a co-operative inspired by a common cause, which causes takes precedence over ego-driven ambition. This principle serves further to emphasise the necessity of ensuring that a group is neither 'driven' by a single individual nor by a "clique" but that every voice is given equal weight - and is equally heard - and this without direction or manipulation by any other (in the case of the cult groups, the All-Knowing, All-Seeing and quite probably All-Dancing Sponsor). From this derives what is called the "group conscience" this conscience informed finally, and essentially, by a higher principle which some may call God - and then again some may not.