Clergymen
of practically every denomination have given A.A.
their blessing.
Edward
Dowling, S.J., * of the Queen's Work staff says, "Alcoholics
Anonymous is a natural; it is natural at the point where
nature comes closest to the supernatural, namely in
humiliations and in consequent humility. There is something
spiritual about an art museum or a symphony, and the
Catholic Church approves of our use of them. There is
something spiritual about A.A. too, and Catholic participation
in it almost invariably results in poor Catholics becoming
better Catholics."
The
Episcopal magazine, The Living Church, observes editorially:
"The basis of the technique of Alcoholics Anonymous
is the truly Christian principle that a man cannot help
himself except by helping others. The A.A. plan is described
by members themselves as "self-insurance." This self-insurance
has resulted in the restoration of physical, mental
and spiritual health and self-respect to hundreds of
men and women who would be hopelessly down and out without
its unique but effective therapy."
Speaking
at a dinner given by John D. Rockefeller Jr. to introduce
Alcoholics Anonymous to some of his friends, Dr. Harry
Emerson Fosdick remarked:
"I
think that psychologically speaking there is a point
of advantage in the approach that is being made in this
movement that cannot be duplicated. I suspect that if
it is wisely handled - and it seems to be in wise and
prudent hands - there are doors of opportunity ahead
of this project that may surpass our capacities to imagine."
*
Father Ed, an early and wonderful friend of A.A., died
in the spring of 1960.