In late 2009, Sr. Margaret McBride, an administrator at St. Joseph’s Hospital authorized the killing of a preborn child in the Diocese of Phoenix thereby incurring automatic excommunication from the Catholic Church by virtue of Canon Law 1398.

Bishop Thomas J. Olmsted, in responding to this grave situation and obeying the Canon Law to which every Catholic is bound, publicly affirmed the excommunication — unleashing unabated anti-Catholic sentiment and the vitriol of the secular news media and dissident Catholic groups.

The individuals signing this letter pledge their support for Bishop Olmsted’s faithful defense of Church teaching to accomplish his primary task — the salvation of souls in his diocese — which includes the souls of Sr. Margaret McBride, the preborn child whose death Sr. McBride authorized, the child’s parents, and any other individuals involved.

Bishop Olmsted reminds us that a unique and unrepeatable preborn baby is at the center of this tragic case and his or her murder strikes at the very core of the Gospel of life and the call of Jesus to see His face in those less fortunate.

Please stand with us and support Bishop Olmsted by adding your signature to our open letter to Bishop Olmsted:

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