The Bristol Reunion …. ad infinitum....

“An AA member writes in connection with some comments on the use of the Lord's Prayer in AA meetings appearing in the aacultwatch forum (see also here): 

“The Newcomers group in Bristol uses the Lord’s prayer to close its three weekly meetings. The group is also responsible for organising the Bristol Reunion and the prayer is used at these gatherings. Paul M., a Bristol member wrote a pamphlet some years ago which justified the use of the prayer in an A.A. context and until recently the Newcomers group were not alone in using the prayer but I am not aware what the situation is now.

At a meeting 10 or so years ago I heard an old-timer complain about the additions at the end of the Serenity Prayer (keep coming back etc. ) by saying .... ‘ It’s a prayer not an invitation to a dance’ which I thought was rather witty.”

We also note that the Bristol Reunion continues to flog its dubious wares in the form of yet another personality 'fest': their so-called 'Big Book study' (no longer hosted by Joe and Charlie but presumably filled with all the usual omissions), and featuring this, that and another AA 'expert'. Fortunately the official AA website no longer carries adverts for these events (presumably having just rediscovered tradition 12) although their recognition of this seems rather patchy with a link included on the site for a convention featuring yet another list of AA 'personalities' with – guess who - topping the bill? Yep it's Clancy from the Pacific Group who will no doubt be flexing his already bloated ego in customary fashion. Cult groups such as these tend to favour such an approach. After all their whole ethos is based around the 'omnipotent and omniscient' SPONSOR, the 'ultimate' personality! Who needs God (or any kind of non-human power) when you can just ring up the oracle! Remember also, according to the cult, you must ALWAYS do “exactly what your sponsor says”! (or doubtless 'divine' retribution will shortly follow!)

Cheers

The Fellas (Friends of Alcoholics Anonymous)