PETITION ON BEHALF OF
SISTER MARGARET MARY MCBRIDE

June 13, 2010

Addressed to:
Bishop Thomas Olmsted, Bishop of Phoenix, Arizona

Copies to:
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
Sister Margaret Mary McBride

We, Baptized Roman Catholics, strongly encourage you, Bishop Thomas Olmsted, to rescind your public declaration of Automatic Excommunication (latae sententiae) of Sister Margaret Mary McBride.

We sign recognizing that Sister Margaret McBride was faced with a situation that involved dealing with both the high risk of death for a seriously ill pregnant mother of four, and the almost certain death of both the infant in the womb and the mother. While Sister participated in the decision which led to the life of the mother and the death of the unborn infant, that decision was taken only with careful consideration, consultation and good faith.  While church law is clear that objective participation in the direct abortion of the unborn is grounds for immediate excommunication (latae sententiae), canon law itself speaks of mitigating and even exonerating factors such as: “necessity or grave inconveniences” (c. 1324), and “no one is punished unless the violation is … seriously imputable by reason of malice or culpability” (c. 1321).  While in no way expert or experienced in church law, even a brief glance is enough to show us the law expressly intends to reserve excommunication only for actions that are clear cut, obstinate and deliberately chosen and which even include malice as well as responsibility.  This clearly is not such a case. 

We urge you, Bishop Thomas Olmsted, to re-consider your actions regarding Sister Margaret Mary McBride, and rescind your formal public declaration of the automatic excommunication.  We are truly praying for you and for all those involved in this most difficult and challenging situation.