Papers regarding her excommunication, 1974-1989.

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Papers regarding her excommunication, 1974-1989.

http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/122544533

The papers include correspondence (almost all to Sorrentino); photocopied clippings of articles by and about Sorrentino, abortion, and the Catholic Church; a transcript of the meeting between the pastor and the Sorrentino-Ciullos; a report by MAS; and a few broadsides, pamphlets, programs, and photographs. The papers document MAS's excommunication, the publicity surrounding it, and the response to it by a variety of people in Rhode Island and across the United States. The issues covered include abortion, the authority of the Catholic Church, and religion and morality concerning abortion more generally. The responses are from pro-choicers, anti-abortionists, Catholics, non-Catholics, public officials, and others.

.5 linear feet (approximately 550 items).

Brown University Archives, John Hay Library

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SNAC Resource ID: 6757535

Related Entities

There are 2 Entities related to this resource.

Planned Parenthood of Rhode Island.

http://n2t.net/ark:/99166/w6gn4nht (corporateBody)

Sorrentino, Mary Ann.

http://n2t.net/ark:/99166/w6wt2fsm (person)

Mary Ann Sorrentino received a BA in psychology from Elmira College (New York). She became executive director of Planned Parenthood of Rhode Island in 1977. In 1986 she became the first person in the United States to be publicly excommunicated for being pro-choice. Articles about the controversy surrounding her excommunication appeared nationwide. At the same time debate escalated over a proposed amendment to the Rhode Island Constitution (Proposition 14) that would outlaw abortion and some form...