Every now and then I’ll run into one of two situations at a 12-Step meeting:

• Someone will read a statement about “our primary purpose” requesting that sharing be confined to such-and-such a topic; or
• Someone will comment “We don’t talk about that,  this is ____ Anonymous”.

Generally speaking. I don’t have an issue with the first, although I think it ignores reality to a remarkable degree.  But if the issue is carried over to the second it’s another matter.  If a group has a problem with talk about other issues, the proper way to handle it is for someone to take the so-called offender aside after the meeting, and gently explain the rule and why it exists (if they can).  That should be a policy arrived at by the group conscience, not an individual or the service office.  As AA puts it, “Our leaders are but trusted servants, they do not govern.”  [Emphasis mine.] Continue reading →