This is a copy of the letter sent by Christine C. Area 36 Delegate, to Warren S. the General Service Conference Coordinator. The following is a proposal submitted for inclusion on the 2002 General Service Conference agenda.This proposal is in regards to the last paragraph of the Forward To Fourth Edition in the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous, page xxiv stating the following. "While our literature has preserved the integrity of the A.A. message, sweeping changes in society as a whole are reflected in new customs and practices within the Fellowship. Taking advantage of technological advances, for example, A.A. members with computers can participate in meetings online, sharing with fellow alcoholics across the country or around the world. Fundamentally, though, the difference between an electronic meeting and the home group around the corner is only one of format. In any meeting, anywhere, A.A.'s share experience, strength, and hope with each other, in order to stay sober and help other alcoholics. Modem-to-modem or face-to-face, A.A.'s speak the language of the heart in all its power and simplicity."
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Christine C., Delegate 51/36 January 15, 2002 Warren S., Conference Coordinator General Service Office of Alcoholics Anonymous New York, NY Dear Warren: I have received numerous comments from Area 36 members regarding the Foreword to the Fourth Edition of Big Book, Alcoholics Anonymous. The new Foreword states, “Fundamentally, though, the difference between an electronic meeting and the home group around the corner is only one of format.” Many Southern Minnesota A.A.s believe that electronic meetings are a wonderful tool (particularly for members facing health or mobility challenges), but are not a substitute for participation in local home groups. The Foreword’s assertion regarding meeting participation has a significant impact on a foundational aspect of the Fellowship’s basic message, establishing a home group. This opinion regarding electronic meetings is not in keeping with the spirit of the original advisory action, which specified no substantive changes to the first 164 pages of the Big Book. I would respectfully submit the following proposal for inclusion on the 2002 General Service Conference agenda: It is proposed that the statement, “Fundamentally, though, the difference between an electronic meeting and the home group around the corner is only one of format” be eliminated from future printings of the Big Book, Alcoholics Anonymous. Thank you for your consideration. Yours in Love and Service, Christine
C., Delegate 51/36 |
Here is another letter from our Area 36 Delegate, to Warren in support for the inclusion of the Area 35 agenda item. Pertaining to the review process for conference approved A.A. Literature.
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Christine C., Delegate 51/36 January 15, 2002 Warren S., Conference Coordinator General Service Office of Alcoholics Anonymous New York, NY Dear Warren: I recently sent correspondence on behalf of the Southern Minnesota Area Committee to express our support for inclusion of the Northern Minnesota Area's agenda item concerning the review process for conference approved A.A. literature. I am writing to address the critical impact our literature review process will have on preserving A.A.’s message for future generations. The importance of A.A.’s literature is evidenced in Concept XI, “Our literature is a principal means by which A.A. recovery, unity and service are facilitated." While the Trustees’ and Conference Literature committees fill a crucial role in the development of A.A. literature, their limited group conscience cannot reflect the Fellowship’s final authority. As found in Concept One, “The A.A. groups today hold ultimate responsibility and final authority for our world services – those special elements of over-all service activity which make it possible for our Society to function as a whole.” What aspect of “over-all service activity” could be more important than our A.A. literature? At the level of activities which, “make it possible for our Society to function as a whole”, the Fellowship’s final authority can only be heard through the voice of an informed group conscience as expressed by the General Service Conference. During discussions of our literature review process, the comment is sometimes made that we must “trust our trusted servants.” As trusted servants we are responsible to represent an informed group conscience, which does not imply voting blindly without information. Bill writes in Concept VII, “Trusted servants at all A.A. levels are expected to exercise leadership, and leadership is not just a matter of submissive housekeeping.” Most importantly, inadvertent dilutions or distortions of the A.A. recovery program become codified once published. A recent example of this exists in the current Foreword to the Fourth Edition of our Big Book, which states, “Fundamentally, though, the difference between an electronic meeting and the home group around the corner is only one of format.” The Foreword’s assertion regarding meeting participation has a significant impact on a foundational aspect of the Fellowship’s basic message, establishing a home group. Bill continues in Concept VII, “If the Trustees in their deliberations will constantly realize that the Conference is the real seat of ultimate service authority we may be sure that neither will be seriously tempted to make a “rubber stamp” out of the other.” The informed group conscience of the General Service Conference can ensure that the basic message of Alcoholics Anonymous is preserved as a lifeline for future generations. Thank you for your consideration. Yours in Love and Service, Christine
C., Delegate 51/36
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