Since the founding of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), there has been a close relationship between AA and the Episcopal Church. The Rev. Sam Shoemaker was one of the founders of AA, and throughout the country meetings of the organization often take place in Episcopal churches. At this time of year, many churches are emphasizing recovery ministries, particularly the Recovered Alcoholic Clergy Association (RACA), a working fellowship of clergy of the Episcopal Church. RACA's membership of bishops, priests, deacons, religious and seminarians is found in nearly every diocese and several other churches of the Anglican Communion. It is able to trace its history to 1968, when a letter to the editor of this magazine led to the formation of the association.

The number of clergy who have had pastoral problems related to alcoholism is high - probably greater than most of us would believe. RACA and diocesan commissions and committees on alcoholism have had an important role to play in the well being of clergy and others. The association helps educate church members of the seriousness of the problem, and it offers pastoral concern, mutual self-help and fellowship for clergy who are confronting alcoholism. Our prayers and thanks go to RACA and its members who are willing to face a major problem realistically and constructively.