AGNOSTICS AND FREETHINKERS GROUP
of
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS
AA PREAMBLE (from the AA Grapevine)
Alcoholics Anonymous is a fellowship of men and women who share their
experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their
common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism.
The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking.
There are no dues or fees for AA membership; we are self-supporting
through our own contributions. AA is not allied with any sect,
denomination, politics, organization or institution; does not wish to
engage in any controversy, neither endorses nor opposes any
causes. Our primary purpose is to stay sober and help other
alcoholics to achieve sobriety.
WELCOME to the Agnostics and Freethinkers meeting of Alcoholics
Anonymous. This is an hour-long discussion meeting. Feel free to
help yourself to coffee and cookies. The topic comes from the
floor, but you may talk about anything you wish having to do with
addiction and recovery. There is no cross-talk.
Halfway through the meeting we pass the basket and then go around the
room, giving anyone who has not yet spoken the opportunity to share if
they wish.
WHY an Agnostics and Freethinkers group? Bill W. wrote in the AA
Grapevine in 1965: “the full individual liberty to practice any creed
or principle or therapy whatever should be a first consideration for us
all. Let us not, therefore, pressure anyone with our individual
or even collective views.”
This group is an expression of some of us who may not necessarily feel
comfortable with all the beliefs of AA, such as the reliance upon a
higher power. It is not our desire to preach or to alter anyone’s
beliefs. We wish to remain open to all beliefs and practices
which help each one of us to achieve and maintain sobriety.
Do we any newcomers with us...?
Visitors or new to this meeting?
AA Birthdays?
We start by introducing ourselves by name.... [go around the circle
giving names]
The floor is now open for discussion.
CLOSING
[Suggested closing -- joining hands, “Keep on coming back, it
works.” ]: