AA group prayer row

A local branch of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) has been removed from a regional AA directory because of its Christian ethos.

Somerset Intergroup of Alcoholics Anonymous has removed the Yeovil group from its listings after a new member reportedly complained about its Christian ethos. The Somerset Intergroup said a pamphlet used by the local group – written by 75 AA members and stating that the only way to recovery is through Jesus – has its place, ‘but not within the AA’.

John Palmer, Yeovil treasurer and a former alcoholic, introduced the Lord’s Prayer to meetings a year ago. He said he was shocked by the decision and has asked Christian Concern for help.