Mutual respect and acceptance for all have always been central to maintaining safety within the SCA fellowship. With the greater awareness of differences within the SCA community, the time has come to make these precepts more explicit.

 

As stated in Tradition One: “Our experience shows that it is essential that SCA meetings be places where members feel accepted and free to share their experiences with sexual compulsion honestly and openly, without fear of being shamed or judged.” Self-acceptance and acceptance of others are fundamental to recovery in SCA. SCA unity depends on the practice of this universal acceptance.

 

Rather than reference a list of identities entitled to this respect, acceptance, and tolerance, we affirm that these practices apply to all who seek sexual recovery under our Third Tradition: “The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop having compulsive sex.” We further encourage non-judgment in all matters relating to others, as we wish to be free of judgment ourselves. Personal recovery depends on SCA unity.

 

Diversity and inclusivity are essential to welcoming all people into the rooms. If people of marginalized groups feel welcome, they can start to reduce their shame: not just the shame of their compulsive sexual behaviors, but the shame of feeling “other.” The eradication of shame is critical for mental health and recovery over time.

 

Like other 12-Step groups, SCA takes no position on outside issues. However, when any language or practice supporting inclusivity benefits the recovery of its members, it is appropriate to encourage or suggest that these be adopted at the meeting level, recognizing that each meeting is autonomous and can choose whether or not to do so.

 

SCA is committed to safe and productive meetings for all members. Members are encouraged to be inclusive, respectful, and kind to all others. We affirm that discrimination, microaggression, and harassment have no place in SCA meetings. The trusted servants of any meeting are encouraged to firmly but gently flag disrespectful conduct. They may respectfully take other actions as deemed necessary to maintain safety within the group, recognizing that awareness of these issues is often lacking.

 

The founding of the SCA fellowship came about, in part, because of the lack of acceptance or tolerance of different sexual orientations by others. Creating a safe space for diversity creates an environment for members to make themselves vulnerable by getting honest. Trust in the fellowship is a crucial component for recovery.