We have just been through a time of internal conflict at my intergroup. The conflict was centered around the desire of a group of members to start a certain project and the belief of other members that such a project was not needed. Much of this conflict played out with members referring to the Traditions and Concepts as evidence to support their points of view. However this is not always as simple as it might be expected! The story below details some of these complexities.
Our failures are fertile ground for humility . . . . When we accept our failures, we find solutions together that we could not have previously imagined.
Multiple Ways to Apply the Traditions and Concepts
Our Intergroup has had a great flourishing in the last couple of years, much of which is due to us focusing our attention and energy on the Traditions, Concepts, and structures (bylaws, etc.) of OA. Our experience as a committee, however, has shown that the Traditions and Concepts are open to multiple interpretations, and there is no one right way of applying them. For example, it could be said that the protracted scrutiny directed toward our project was a breach of the Spiritual Principles of Concepts Three (Trust) and Nine (Ability). At the same time others might argue that they were following through with their concerns according to the Principles of Concepts Five (Consideration) and Ten (Clarity).
What this example shows us is that the Traditions and Concepts and their respective Principles are guidelines only, and that no one person can have authority over the way in which they can be interpreted because “no OA member shall ever be placed in a position of unqualified authority” (Concept Twelve (c)). What becomes important then is that we use the Concepts and Traditions to help members articulate their concerns or joys, ever mindful that it is only in listening to every voice in the meeting (the “right of participation” of Concept Four) that we are able to tune into our “one ultimate authority—a loving God as He may express Himself in our group conscience” (Tradition Two).
Misuse of Traditions and Concepts
Further, we must always be careful that the Traditions and Concepts are not used to bully, hamper, or discourage members at intergroup. Just as we can use the Steps to malign ourselves—for example, we can use Step Four to continually berate ourselves, or purposely repeat Step One as an excuse to keep eating—so too can we use the Traditions and Concepts against the spirit in which they were designed. For this reason, I would always advocate that an intergroup work with a sense of generosity and enthusiasm, giving each member the benefit of the doubt and then applying the Traditions and Concepts to fine-tune what is being offered by each member.
The Pitfalls of Like-Minded People
One of the most heartbreaking and divisive occurrences in a service body is the creation of factions, or like-minded members, who band together around an issue. This reflects a complex situation. Often there is a need to speak with people who affirm our point of view, or give voice to concerns we haven’t been able to articulate ourselves. At the same time, it is easy for indignation, pride, and fear to be fueled if we are only in conversation with people who agree with us. This is an easy pit to fall into and the shift between affirmation and self-righteousness can be very subtle. I offer no solution to this, only hope that each one of us will be mindful of this dilemma, continue to take our own inventories and trust in the care of our Higher Power for guidance.
Failure and Growth
It is a deep disappointment to us as an aggrieved committee that our intergroup has not been able to water the seeds of experience, willingness, and inspiration that we offered to help carry the message. However, the beauty of our program is that in OA failure is not a dirty word. “It is weakness, not strength, that binds us to each other and to a Higher Power” (Our Invitation to You). Our failures are fertile ground for humility, which opens our hearts and minds to our HPs love and guidance. When we accept our failures, we find solutions together that we could not have previously imagined.
While our conflict was hurtful at times, it was also the catalyst for much growth. As the coordinator of the group that felt aggrieved, I set out to write our final report in the spirit of Traditions One, Two, and Twelve, with the aim of focusing on what we learned from our experience. This story is an abridged version of that report, and I hope other members will find it useful when doing service at group, intergroup, region, and world service levels.
The Challenges of Service
Service work is not always easy! And in OA the stakes are high. Most of us are used to the Fellowship as the place where we are listened to unconditionally, supported, and loved until we can love ourselves. Then we come to intergroup, and suddenly we are met with competing needs, desires and ideas. Not being seen, heard, or understood in an OA forum can be very hurtful. However, in this instance I am proud to say that our intergroup ultimately managed to create a space where our concerns as a committee were heard. I am equally grateful that members continued to act with generosity and honesty in this forum despite the high emotions in the room. Although the issues were not entirely resolved, there was evidence that many of our intergroup members were working their programs, and most especially, that our collective HP was present, and holding us all.
—Anonymous
