Hi Rainy
That Christmas house swap still on?
I think there is a cultural difference that makes people from the UK and Aus uneasy with anything that sounds like evangelism, whether it be for religion or AA. IMO the language in the AA 12 steps could not have been written anywhere but the US. Also, no matter what your faith, bringing God into recovery just doesn't help if you're talking to an atheist.
The thing is, as I get further into the recovery I'm finding that sobriety isn't the end game; you've also got to tackle what caused you to drink in the first place. Maybe the 12 steps helps with that? Is there an alternative program that doesn't mention HP? If so I'd like to give it a try.