Stereotypes
Tradition Two: For our group purpose there is but one ultimate
authority- a loving God as He may express Himself in our group conscience. Our
leaders are but trusted servants; they do not
govern.
"Former group leaders divide into two classes known in A.A. slang as
'elder statesmen' and 'bleeding deacons.' The elder statesman is the one who
sees the wisdom of the group's decision, who holds no resentment over his
reduced status, whose judgment, fortified by considerable experience, is sound,
and who is willing to sit quietly on the sidelines awaiting developments. The
bleeding deacon is one who is just as surely convinced that the group cannot get
along without him, who constantly connives for reelection to office, and who
continues to be consumed with self-pity."
Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, 2005, Alcoholics Anonymous World
Services, Inc., pg. 135