Via
that same inestimable AA 'grapevine' (where information is transmitted
faster than a speeding bullet!) we received the following missive
(our edits)
“Hi,
I
noticed your latest posting about Richmond under the Bridge Monday night. I heard there was some sort of
fight there last Monday, although I don't know the full details, but
it involved some "guru" or other. Presumably this Billy
person.
I
don't know where you got your information from about the Monday
meeting, but the Agnostics Meeting at Surbiton on Sunday has had
problems with someone who attends that Monday Richmond meeting, in
fact he is the secretary of that Monday meeting, and he also attends
the Friday night Hampton Wick cult groups. The Agnostics meeting
had him as a treasurer and he basically made it up he went along
disregarding the Traditions completely, or completely unaware of them
- This is what he did
He
was sharing whenever he liked, many times over, making
up the amount of money in the pot, (didn't keep accounts) telling
lies to the group about the rent ( he claimed it was only 3 quid when
in fact it was 10 ), bringing
in people from other fellowships (probably CA) in order to boost
numbers, with no regard as to whether they were alcoholics or not, appointing
someone as literature person without consulting the group conscience. putting
non AA literature on the front table when he was told it should be on
a separate table. bringing
in printouts about religion (e.g. Buddhism) for group discussion. acquiring
AA literature from unknown source, and the group does not know if it
was paid for.
2
women left the group because of this person.
There
was a recent group conscience …. [where] he was strongly confronted
on these issues and he subsequently resigned leaving a note and
disappeared with the pot leaving the group with no funds. His name
is David. Presumably his "understanding" of the Traditions
came from the cult meetings he attends.
There
have been a number of changes to that Surbiton "We Agnostics"
meeting. The former secretary (….........) has left AA altogether.
The group conscience changed the format and removed most of the
verbal stuff that was read out at the beginning including the so
called Agnostic steps and other stuff. The group readings are
nearly always from Living Sober now …...”
Comment:
We're quite sure that David's 'oversight' with regard to the group's
funds will be rectified, and that they will be returned in full –
promptly. Otherwise it becomes a matter for the police.
Cheerio
The
Fellas (Friends of Alcholics Anonymous)
PS
Our thanks to our correspondent
