In this article, Jonas shares his perspective on Tradition 10 and emphasizes the importance of AA’s singleness of purpose. He discusses what he believes is essential to maintaining focus within the fellowship and why staying true to this tradition is critical to AA’s unity and effectiveness. This is also the first time we are including a photo provided by an AA member from our region. Marisa kindly sent us a view of Lake Geneva.
Ten—No A.A. group or member should ever, in such a way as to implicate A.A., express any opinion on outside controversial issues—particularly those of politics, alcohol reform, or sectarian religion. The Alcoholics Anonymous groups oppose no one. Concerning such matters they can express no views whatever.
My personal experience with tradition 10 is one of gratitude for the simplicity of the program of alcoholics anonymous. I am grateful that we focus on what we know for certain: our experience of alcoholic addiction, the solution contained in the big book and in our shared experience with applying its principles and steps to our lives and the following release from active addiction. We know that this program works when we work it.
On an individual level our program encourages us to quit the debating society and to have an open mind. We are to leave the big decisions of the world to people better equipped to make them. What a relief! I could hardly manage my own life.
On the group level we are told that we can never oppose anyone or anything – that a group can never in such a way as to implicate AA express an opinion on outside controversial issues. I take this to mean that anyone is welcome so long as they have a desire to stop drinking. Regardless of their political convictions. And that we do not want to deter anyone from finding their way to the fellowship because they think that AA consists of only one or type of person. There’s simplicity in that. We are not experts. We are drunks! And we can come together in spite of our differences in our shared struggle, no matter what our backgrounds may be.
Love and tolerance of others is our code. I learn of its practical application with tradition 10. Instead of argument, strife and drama, I can experience peace in these rooms. People, who would perhaps otherwise not have mixed sit side by side in meetings and form a bond. I love that about AA. How many times has it happened that I have felt a deep connection to another drunk with whom I otherwise would have never talked, if not for these rooms. It warms my heart to see us come together in this way.
I personally don’t ask about my fellow’s political convictions. Perhaps I would be distracted from the spirit of brotherhood and sisterhood I have with them if I knew of their beliefs. In the end it doesn’t matter. What matters is that we can identify with each other and help each other stay in the solution. Let’s keep it simple and focus on love.
Jonas