“For our group purpose there is but one ultimate authority – a loving God as He may express Himself in our group conscience. Our leaders are but trusted servants; they do not govern.”

In Alcoholic Anonymous there is no such thing as individual authority. No one member “directs” or “controls” the actions of the other members of the group.

Group decisions are just that, group decisions. After a discussion of all aspects of a given situation, including the minority opinion, the group votes on the issue and an agreement is reached with the majority vote. This vote is called a “group conscience.”

Each group is a fellowship of equals. No matter what an individual member’s background, education, or professional expertise, no member has authority “over” the group. In this way, the fellowship reaches out to all who would seek its comfort and provides the atmosphere of a sense of “belonging” to all members.

http://alcoholism.about.com/od/study/a/tradition_two.htm