April 14, 1959
Dear Russ,

Am right sorry for my delay in answering. Lois and I were a long time out of
the country and this was followed by an attack of the marathon type of flu
that has
been around here in New York. We are okay now, however, but I did want to
explain my delay.

Now about the business of adding the Lord's Prayer to each A.A. meeting.

This practice probably came from the Oxford Groups who were influential in the
early days of A.A. You have probably noted in AA. Comes of Age what the
connection of these people in A.A. really was. I think saying the Lord's
Prayer was a custom of theirs following the close of each meeting. Therefore
it quite easily got shifted into a general custom among us.

Of course there will always be those who seem to be offended by the
introduction of any prayer whatever into an ordinary A.A. gathering. Also,
it is sometimes complained that the Lord's Prayer is a Christian document.
Nevertheless this Prayer is of such widespread use and recognition that the
arguments of its Christian origin seems to be a little farfetched. It is
also true that most A.A.s believe in some kind of God and that communication
and strength is obtainable through His grace. Since this is the general
consensus it seems only right
that at least the Serenity Prayer and the Lord's Prayer be used in connection
with
our meetings. It does not seem necessary to defer to the feelings of our
agnostic and atheist newcomers to the extent of completely hiding our light
under a bushel.

However, around here, the leader of the meeting usually asks those to join
him in the Lord's Prayer who feel that they would care to do so. The worst
that
happens to the objectors is that they have to listen to it This is doubtless
a salutary
exercise in tolerance at their stage of progress.

So that's the sum of the Lord's Prayer business as I recall it. Your letter
made me wonder in just what connection you raise the question.

Meanwhile, please know just how much Lois and I treasure the friendship of
you both. May Providence let our paths presently cross one of these days.

Devotedly yours,

Bill Wilson

WGW/ni
Mr. Russ

From the A.A. Archives in New York