MOTION 6
The Assembly will be start at 8am on Wednesday 30th of September, in order to feel refreshed we enourage members to arrive Tuesday 29th of September in the late afternoon or early evening. The assembly will finish around 4pm on Friday 2nd October 2026. Convention will then start on Friday 2nd October 2026 in the early evening and finish no later than 2pm on Sunday 4th October 2026.
Names, acronyms, and short forms have been removed or edited for consistency with OA Policy
World Service Business Conference Policy Manual Amendment
Submitted By:
Service Body or Committee: OA Region 9 Bylaws Committee
Intent: To submit the following motion to World Service Business Conference
Implementation: Submit the following motion to World Service Business Conference
Cost: £0
Rationale: To update the language to be more inclusive.
Motion: Move to create a new World Service Business Conference Policy as follows:
CURRENT WORDING
Does not currently exist
PROPOSED WORDING
Use of the terms God and Higher Power
The terms “Higher Power” and “God” will be used interchangeably in OA literature, on the World Service website, and in other OA World Service materials and platforms.
The term “Higher Power” will be used as the preferred term whenever appropriate based on topic and context.
The Board of Trustees, the Conference Approved Literature Committee, or another committee appointed by the board, will determine which term is most suitable in each instance.
The OA 12 Steps and OA 12 Traditions will be exempt from this policy.
Proviso: Changes to existing literature will be made only as part of OA’s regular review and revision process.
Submitted By:
Name: Loudovika P
Service Body or Committee: OA Region 9
INTENT: To make OA’s literature and messaging more inclusive by prioritizing the use of “Higher Power,” a broader and more accessible term that includes both religious and non-religious understandings. This motion supports those who may be alienated by traditional religious language and helps more individuals feel welcome in recovery.
IMPLEMENTATION: The use of “Higher Power” as the preferred term will be applied to new and revised OA literature, website content, and other OA World Service materials. Updates will be incorporated during routine editing and revision cycles, as determined by existing OA editorial processes and the Board of Trustees.
COST: Minimal. Changes will occur during standard literature review and web update schedules. While some tasks may involve paid OA staff, most work will fall within the scope of existing responsibilities, supported by volunteers when appropriate.
HOW DOES THIS MOTION SUPPORT OA’S PRIMARY PURPOSE?: OA’s primary purpose is to carry the message of recovery to those who still suffer. Using more inclusive language helps reach a broader audience of individuals struggling with compulsive eating, including those who may otherwise feel excluded due to discomfort with religious terminology.
RATIONALE: Many current and potential OA members are discouraged by the word “God,” which can be perceived as religious or exclusionary. The term “Higher Power” offers a more inclusive alternative while still honoring spiritual foundations. OA’s roots in AA show a historical precedent for adapting spiritual language to accommodate broader beliefs. This motion ensures that OA remains welcoming and accessible to all who seek recovery, regardless of spiritual or religious background.
