Originally posted by:
Yankee47
So when they do it, they temporarily forget their "other" occupation..and everyone in attendance "forgets" it too...suuuure they do...and theres that magical word "affiliated" again...anyone who has been to meetings regularly will attest to the "quasi-religious" nature of the program. yes, they welcome anyone...only requirement is a desire to stop drinking...and in our new age, drugging, gambling, sex, you name it...but none has had the impact that AA has had, with the possible exception of AL-ANON...on family members of drunks and druggies. One long time local "Leader" happens to be a priest...collar and all...doesn't care about his anonymity...perhaps he should be told to remove it....and, I ALWAYS try to have a good day....I've had more than my share of bad ones.
Yes, AA members believe in anonymity, as the name of the organization indicates. A member's occupation is insignificant and not discussed or even mentioned. If your friend chooses to wear a religious collar, that's up to him/her. There is no dress code, so he/she would never be told to remove it. AA is spiritual not religious, but anyone who has attended an open meeting will have heard references to "God" meaning a higher power - Mother Nature, Karma, Buddha, anything or nothing. It's referencing the "God/higher power" of your understanding.
AA meetings are for alcoholics with a desire to stop drinking. There are similar groups such as NA for narcotics, GA for for gamblers wanting to stop, and AlAnon for friends and families of alcoholics who want to be a member of a support group, do they understand what living with an alcoholic is like.
This is definitely a side conversation from the original question about Mass, but it is important to clarify and have accurate information shared, as I have.