Need advice about how to handle a situation...

[varkam]

So Monday I'm going to be leading a meeting. At this meeting, there are several newcomers who are very much into that Jesus fellow. Not that I have a problem with people being into that Jesus fellow, but at a certain point it starts to run contrary to the traditions in that we're not supposed to be affiliated with any religion, creed, or dogma. When people start using check-in as a forum for proselytizing, it makes others uncomfortable (myself included), as the path should be wide enough for everyone who wishes to walk it. If creed is introduced into the meetings, then just on a philosophical level it introduces division - as implicitly people are saying that others who believe differently are wrong.

So - how should I handle this situation? I certainly don't want to be mean and run people off - I want anyone who wants recovery to stay. At the same time, I want to respect the multitude of beliefs of our members as well as the traditions of the program. Any thoughts?

Thanks.

[NMDemDist2]

1. it's OK if they believe, it's not OK if they tell you to believe

interrupt and gently remind them that everyone can chose their own conception of a HP.

I saw you on the GD thread greywarrior started, read it through, there's lots of insight over there

I have linked it here

[Kajsa]

2. You might read the preamble (statement of purpose)

at the beginning of the meeting,
emphasizing the underlined part.

'"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."

Good luck, Varkam.

:)