Anoniminių alkoholikų 12 žingsnių programos sąsajos su katalikiškąja sutaikinimo sakramento samprata
The Relationship of Alcoholics Anonymous 12-Step Programme to the Catholic Concept of the Sacrament of Reconciliation

Summary/Abstract: The article explores the links between the 12-step programme of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and the Catholic concept of the Sacrament of Reconciliation. The practical aspects of the Catholic Church's teaching on the Sacrament are discussed using the five-part division of the Sacrament of Reconciliation, which is widely used in pastoral ministry. The similarity between the examination of conscience before confession and the Fourth Step of AA is shown. The second and third parts of the Sacrament of Reconciliation have no direct counterparts in the wording of the 12 Steps, but similar provisions can be found in the more detailed descriptions of the Steps. The fourth part of the Sacrament of Reconciliation has many similarities to the Fifth Step in the AA programme. The main difference is that in AA this step is not a sacramental confession. The last part of the Sacrament of Reconciliation has close parallels in the Ninth Step of AA. It is concluded that there are significant links between the AA 12-step programme and the Catholic concept of the Sacrament of Reconciliation. They are two ways of nurturing the spiritual life.

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