A.A.’s Single Purpose
June 14, 2006 by Mark
Filed under Diseases & Conditions
Bill W. had some comments relating to our Fifth Tradition in 1955. This particular one reminds me that pride ought to be something for which I maintain constant vigilance!
Fifth Tradition: Each group has but one primary purpose – to carry its message to the alcoholic who still suffers.
To which Bill commented in 1955 (among other things he said);
“Our Society, therefore, will prudently cleave to its single purpose: the carrying of the message to the alcoholic who still suffers. Let us resist the proud assumption that since God has enabled us to do well in one area we are destined to be a channel of saving grace for everybody.”
For me – I usually don’t question the wisdom of those who went before us and this is no different. I would extend it to my personal recovery to the extent that my ego and pride will always have the capability to kill me and I don’t need to be sponsoring more than two or three people at a time, like Rick T. clearly suggested. How about you?
A Sober, Clean Day To All,
Mark
Question: Does reading non-conference literature in an AA meeting go against the fifth tradition? One womens’ meeting I have attended reads fromn a Hazelden book as the ‘reflection for the day’. I think this flies in the face of the 5th tradition, as Hazelden is not “the message; AA is.” so I don’t go.
Hi Brenda,
Thanks for the question.
I would think that this falls under another Tradition – #4 – each group is autonomous. Every group is allowed to conduct its business as it seems fit unless what they do would affect AA as a whole.