US-RPB-ms90.13 Guide to the Mary Ann Sorrentino papers regarding her excommunication1974-2018 (bulk 1974-1989) Finding aid prepared by John Hay Library staff. Brown University Library
Box A Brown University Providence, RI 02912 Tel: 401-863-2162 Fax: 401-863-1272 email: rock@brown.edu
Finding aid encoded by Daniel Mejia 2008 November 17 English English Brown University Library Special Collections
Box A, John Hay Library Brown University Providence, RI 02912 Tel: 401-863-2146 Fax: 401-863-2093 E-mail: hay@brown.edu
Sorrentino, Mary Ann Mary Ann Sorrentino papers regarding her excommunication Sorrentino (Mary Ann) papers regarding her excommunication 1974-2018 (bulk 1974-1989) 1.75 linear ft. (2 legal size clamshell boxes) The Mary Ann Sorrentino papers about her excommunication from the Catholic Church consist of correspondence, clippings, and other materials. These papers relate to the practice of abortion, the authority of the Catholic Church over its members, and general discussion of religion and morality with respect to abortion. The correspondence with Sorrentino (who was Executive Director of Planned Parenthood of Rhode Island from 1977 to 1987) includes responses from proponents of both the pro-choice and pro-life movements, Catholics, non-Catholics, public officials, and others. The collection also includes an oral history interview of Sorrentino recorded in 2012 and a Master of Arts in History thesis written by Rhonda J. Chadwick about Sorrentino's experiences. Ms. 90.13 Biographical note

Mary Ann Sorrentino received a BA in psychology from Elmira College (New York) and did graduate research at the University of Florence in Italy. Mary Ann Sorrentino worked as a health and human service administrator, coordinated an alcohol treatment program, and was executive director of Opportunities for Women, before becoming executive director of Planned Parenthood of Rhode Island in 1977. She and her husband, Albert Ciullo, have a daughter Luisa.

One week before Luisa's confirmation into the Roman Catholic Church in May 1985, their priest called a meeting with the family to question Luisa about her beliefs about abortion. Although Father Francis Egan allowed Luisa to be confirmed, shortly thereafter the church excommunicated Mary Ann Sorrentino. Mary Ann Sorrentino was the first person in the United States to be publicly excommunicated for being pro-choice. In January 1986, a priest narrating an anti-abortion television broadcast mentioned the excommunication, which prompted Mary Ann Sorrentino to state publically her criticisms of the church's decision and its stance on abortion. At the same time, debate escalated over a proposed amendment to the Rhode Island constitution (Proposition 14) that would outlaw abortion and some forms of birth control. Articles about the controversy surrounding Mary Ann Sorrentino's excommunication appeared in newspapers and magazines across the country; Mary Ann Sorrentino appeared on the television talk show "Donahue" in February, and "Redbook" published an article in June. In November 1986 the amendment failed. Mary Ann Sorrentino resigned from Planned Parenthood in 1987, began a public relations and media relations consulting firm (mass communications), and continued to give speeches and write editorials and essays.

 Collection Information

There are no restrictions on access, except that the collection can only be seen by prior appointment. Some materials may be stored off-site and cannot be produced on the same day on which they are requested.

Although Brown University has physical ownership of the collection and the materials contained therein, it does not claim literary rights. Researchers should note that compliance with copyright law is their responsibility. Researchers must determine the owners of the literary rights and obtain any necessary permissions from them. Mary Ann Sorrentino retains all copyright and literary property rights to her writings and speeches; each letter writer owns copyright of her or his writings.

Mary Ann Sorrentino papers, Ms. 90.13, Brown University Library.

The Mary Ann Sorrentino papers about her excommunication from the Catholic Church include correspondence (nearly all to Mary Ann Sorrentino); photocopied clippings of articles by and about Mary Ann Sorrentino, abortion, and the Catholic Church; the transcript of a meeting between Father Francis Egan and the Sorrentino-Ciullos; a report by Mary Ann Sorrentino; and a few broadsides, pamphlets, programs, and photographs. It also includes the Master of Arts in History thesis written by Rhonda J. Chadwick and 2 CD disks containing an oral history interview Chadwick conducted with MAS on 16 May 2012. The papers document Mary Ann Sorrentino's excommunication, the publicity surrounding it, and responses to it from a variety of people in Rhode Island and across the United States. The issues covered include the practice of abortion, the authority of the Catholic Church over its members, and general discussion religion and morality with respect to abortion. The collection covers a broad range of perspectives, including pro-choice, pro-life, Catholic, non-Catholic, public policy, and more.

Most of the clippings are contained in a binder compiled by Planned Parenthood of Rhode Island; it provides a good overview of the events and issues involved. The bulk of the papers are letters people wrote to Mary Ann Sorrentino in support of her stance against her excommunication. The correspondence also includes two letters from Mary Ann Sorrentino, some negative letters, and letters regarding other subjects, such as the defeat of Proposition 14. Some of the correspondents included clippings, broadsides, pamphlets, or copies of their letters to others. An annotated list of letter writers and contents follows the inventory. Mary Ann Sorrentino and her staff at Planned Parenthood of Rhode Island organized the letters by date and filed most of the negative letters separately; that order has been maintained. Mary Ann Sorrentino donated all of the negative letters she received, but screened the positive ones and did not donate those that she thought should remain confidential.

The papers are arranged in four series: Series 1. Professional papers Series 2. Correspondence received Series 3. Excommunication from the Catholic Church Series 4. Activism Series 5. Rhonda J. Chadwick Master of Arts in History Thesis Series 6. Oral History Interview

Mary Ann Sorrentino donated her papers to Brown University in March and May, 1989. Rhonda J. Chadwick donated her Master of Arts in History thesis and the 2 CD disks of her oral history interview, 2013.

 Names Sorrentino, Mary Ann Chadwick, Rhonda J. Planned Parenthood of Rhode Island Subjects Abortion--Religious aspects--Catholic Church Abortion--Press coverage--Rhode Island Excommunication--Catholic Church Pro-choice movement--Rhode Island Abortion--Law and Legislation--Rhode Island Abortion--Political Aspects Abortion--United States--Public Opinion RIAMCO Browsing Terms Government, Politics and Law Religion Types of materials Clippings Transcripts Letters (correspondence) Oral histories Occupations Political activists Feminists Health services administrators Additional Information

RESOURCES BEYOND BROWN

Mary Ann Sorrentino's homepage

Mary Ann Sorrentino's blog

Brown University Library catalog record for this collection: Mary Ann Sorrentino papers regarding her excommunication

1 Series 1. Professional papers 1974-1989 1 1 Report to Planned Parenthood of Rhode Island Board, articles, letters to the editor 1977-1989, undated 1 2 Letter of resignation to Opportunities for Women and Letter to Robert Schiff 1977,1986 1 3 Clippings regarding Mary Ann Sorrentino 1974-1989, undated 1 4 Resume, business card 1989 1 5 Certificate, programs including Mary Ann Sorrentino as speaker or honoree 1977-1986? 1 Series 2. Correspondence received 1977-1986

Letters regarding Mary Ann Sorrentino becoming executive director of Planned Parenthood, appointments to community boards, thanks, and congratulations. Includes some from people such people as Marlo Thomas, Marge Piercy, and Judge William J. Brennan, Jr.

 1 6 Affleck, John J. to Sorrentino, Mary Ann 1977 Mar 14

John J. Affleck, director of the Department of Social and Rehabilitative Services: congratulations on Mary Ann Sorrentino becoming executive director of Planned Parenthood in Providence.

 1 6 Mays, Fran to Sorrentino, Mary Ann 1977 Mar

Fran Mays, volunteer when Mary Ann Sorrentino was executive director, Opportunities for Women, 1977.

 1 6 Cardarelli, Diana to Sorrentino, Mary Ann 1977 Mar

Diana Cardelli, childhood friend: congratulations on Mary Anna Sorrentino becoming executive director.

 1 6 Drinan, Father Robert F. to Sorrentino, Mary Ann 1977 May 2

Father Robert F. Drinan, representative to the United States House of Representatives, 4th district Massachusetts. Jesuit priest, former dean of Boston College School of Law.

 1 6 Cianci, Vincent to Sorrentino, Mary Ann 1977 Jun 21

Vincent Cianci, mayor of Providence, regarding Mary Ann Sorrentino's service on Providence Community Mental Health Board.

 1 6 Garan, John P. to Sorrentino, Mary Ann 1977 Jul 6

John P. Garan, Councilor, City of Providence, regarding Providence Mental Health Board.

 1 6 Marciano, Joseph to Sorrentino, Mary Ann 1978 Aug 8

Joseph Marciano, chair, membership committee of the Rhode Island Cancer Control Board: welcoming Mary Ann Sorrentino to the board.

 1 6 Danforth, Murray S. to Sorrentino, Mary Ann 1978 Nov 14

Murray S. Danforth, secretary, Rhode Island Hospital Corporation, notifying Mary Ann Sorrentino of her selection to serve on the corporation.

 1 6 Patrick, Sr. Mary to Sorrention, Mary Ann 1980 May 8

Sr. Mary Patrick, Providence. Originally framed. Joanne Rongo.

 1 6 Greeley, Father Andrew M. to Sorrentino, Mary Ann 1981 Jan 7

Father Andrew M. Greeley, Chicago: support for her position regarding church. Originally framed.

 1 6 Garrahy, Joseph J. to Sorrentino, Mary Ann 1982 Sep 12

Joseph J. Garrahy, Governor of Rhode Island, Providence. Regarding Mary Ann Sorrentino's work on Cancer Control Board of Rhode Island.

 1 6 Thomas, Marlo to Sorrentino, Mary Ann 1982 Oct 20

Marlo Thomas, New York City: regrets cannot be in Planned Parenthood event.

 1 6 Brennan, William J., Jr. to Sorrentino, Mary Ann 1985 Oct 18

William J. Brennan, Jr., United States Supreme Court Justice.

 1 6 Piercy, Marge to Sorrentino, Mary Ann 1985 Dec 16

Marge Piercy, poet, novelist, Wellfleet, MA

 1 6 Quigley, Evelyn to Sorrentino, Mary Ann 1986 Mar 25

Evelyn Quigley, Sacramento, CA: Easter card.

 1 6 Bassett, Carol to Sorrentino, Mary Ann 1986 Apr 11 1-2 Series 3. Excommunication from the Catholic Church 1985-1987 1 7 Transcript of conversation between Father Francis Egan and Luisa Ciullo, Albert Ciullo, Mary Ann Sorrentino 1985 May 24 1 8 The excommunication of Mary Ann Sorrentino, executive director of Planned Parenthood of Rhode Island: Media Coverage 1986 Jan-1986 Jun 1

Copies of clippings collected by PPRI beginning in Jan

 1 9 Correspondence 1986 Jan 17-21 Lee Minto, executive director, Planned Parenthood of Seattle-King County, WA Barbara Butler-Schmidt, Cumberland Brenda Copper, Washington, D.C. Angela D. Danzi, Massapequa Park, NY. Regarding Italian-American heritage. David-Jon W. Ward, Warwick 1 10 Correspondence 1986 Jan 22 Celeste Andrade, Providence Bill and Fran Bergeron, Cranston Antoinette Breed, Providence. Regarding leaving the Roman Catholic Church over birth control Alice Bryant, Warwick Penny Cherubino, East Providence Linda Cook, Cranston Leonard Rex Criminale, Elmira, NY Anne Fausto, Providence Margaret S. Fogel, Providence Barbara J. Ford, Providence Jodi Glass, Providence Mike Ingall, Warwick Daniel Kane, president of Miriam Hospital, Providence Lynn Kimball Kathy M. Lennon, Pawtucket Jean C. MacCorison, Providence M.J. Macdonald, Providence Dr. Rita Marinho Montz, New Bedford, MA Joan McCracken, executive director of Planned Parenthood of Billings, MT Lysbeth W. Muncy, Providence Theodora O. O'Hara, Little Compton Joseph R. Peckham, Cranston Alice R. Quinn, Providence Jean Rubin, North Kingston Pat Savard, Providence Bobbie Scaeffer, Warwick Rev. Robert L. Shearer, executive officer, Episcopal Diocese of Rhode Island, Providence. Robert K. Sweet, Jr., district superintendent, Rhode Island Southeastern Massachusetts United Methodist Churches, Rumford. Includes flyer regarding the Methodist Church. Arlene Violet, attorney general of Rhode Island, Providence Mary Whelan, Pawtucket. Includes copy of MW's 1985 poem, "Christ Loves You." Anne Wise, former executive director, Planned Parenthood Rhode Island, circa 1964-1974, North Kingstown Chip Young, development director for Save the Bay, writer for "The New Paper," Providence B.R.S., Providence 1 11 Correspondence 1986 Jan 23

A-M

"An Anonymous Supporter." Regarding her own abortion at age 17; considers herself Catholic Barbara Bressen Berk, Dighton, MA. Regarding Jewish women's group. Vivian R. Bernstein, Providence. Regarding social work career, unwanted children. Lorraine E. Bloomquist, professor, physical education and health, University of Rhode Island, Kingston Sue Bowden, Barrington Rev. Catherine A. Cadieux, Associate Minister, Newman Congregational Church, Rumford Jill Coburn, Planned Parenthood Federation colleague Franklyn T. Cook, Providence Carol M. Cronk, Washington, D.C. Sue Demlein, Cranston Franklin and Rebecca Dexter, Jr. Ross Eadie, artist, husband of Lynette Lobriger (the attorney who argued all constitutional challenges to abortion in Rhode Island for the ACLU): Providence Ernest and Mildred Falvey, Cranston Marybeth Ferretti, Providence Charles T. Francis, Providence Sidney F. Greenwald, Providence Kathy Gudaitis Sandra Hallberg, Chicago Judith Hanratty, North Kingstown Lorraine and George Hartmann, Greenville RI Eva D. Heroux, director of development, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence T.J. Hill, Providence Howie Holland, Providence Lisa Holmes, San Francisco, CA Dave Inman, Catholic chaplain, Brown University, Providence John R. and Ann L. Kellam, members of Society of Friends, Providence Nancy Kelsik, Planned Parenthood of Southern Arizona, Tuscon F.L., Miami, FL. Fran Laboissoniere, North Providence Margery D. Laing, Providence Rose Gordon LeVan, East Chicago, IL. Regarding U.S. Roman Catholic Church and Vatican Father Gary C. Lemery, vicar of St. Elizabeth's Church, Canonchet. Regarding his excommunication after leaving the Roman Catholic priesthood and marrying Marie LeRoy, Cumberland Susan A. Ludorf, Sea Cliff, NY David Mactas, executive director, Marathon House, Providence Scott Molloy, Rep. Schneider's office, Washington, D.C. Bertha Mugurdichian, director, Rhode Island Department of Heath Nursing Liscensing Office, Providence. Two enclosures Shawn Murphy, executive director of Planned Parenthood of Northeastern Pennsylvania, Wilkes-Barre 1 12 Correspondence 1986 Jan 23

N-W

Marty Foster Neal, classmate of Mary Ann Sorrentino at Elmira College, Hamden, CT Dominique Alfandre Palmer, Newport Harold and Anne-Marie Payson, Bristol Malcolm Polis, president, Women's Medical Center, Inc., Blue Bell, PA Ilene Polsky, Asheville, NC Alex T. Quintanilha, Berkeley, CA Ann Raschhe, Lincoln, NE Rose Riten?, Honolulu, HI Susan R. Rowland, executive director, Virginia League for Planned Parenthood Leah Rugen, Providence Lillian Sampson, former Planned Parenthood of Rhode Island staff person, Warwick Elizabeth Schiller, North Providence Gloria Schlossenberg, Overland Park, KS Lois C. Schuyler, R.N., director of health services, Roger Williams Hospital, Bristol Selma, Providence Philip B. Simonds, Little Compton Jeannette F. Smith, Washington, NJ Diane Sprague and Bob Wyss, "Providence Journal" reporter William Stelling, Jersey City, NJ. Regarding family planning in Costa Rica Elizabeth C. Stolpher, Ridgefield, CT Nancy E. Tishler, Providence Dr. James A. Traver, East Providence Health Center. Includes copy of letter to editor Jane Willoughby, former executive director, Rhode Island Campfire Girls, Narragansett Council, East Greenwich Gail Wilson, North Kingstown: negative JoAnn Wooding, Providence 1 13 Correspondence 1986 Jan 24

A-G

Patricia Aldrich. Regarding her work with the poor in South Providence, RI Rabbi Robert A. Alper, Classical High School classmate, Congregation Beth Or, PA Lorraine E. Anderson, Buffalo, NY Anna Bernier, Warwick Gracia Berry, Concord, NH Lynn Brown, executive director of Planned Parenthood of Greater Camden, NJ Maxine Brown, executive director, Planned Parenthood, Ocean, NJ Rev. Richard C. Brown, executive minister, Rhode Island State Council of Churches, Providence Susan Closter-Godoy, Newport National Organization for Women, Middletown Tom Connell, Rehoboth, MA Elizabeth Corbett, Providence Susan Cox, Planned Parenthood of San Antonio, TX Darlene Trew Crist, former assistant to congresswoman Claudine Schneider, Wickford Kathleen M. Cuomo, Brooklyn, NY Barbara G. De Cesare, Providence Eve Encalise, Providence Rosalie B. Fain, Providence Mimi G. Frank, Associate Professor Human Development, Counseling and Family Services, University of Rhode Island Dr. Merrill and Phoebe Goodman, Rosley Heights, NY Margaret A. (Sherblum) Gorton, West Warwick. Regarding her excommunication for marrying a Protestant man Doris S. Greenberg, Barrington 1 14 Correspondence 1986 Jan 24

H-W

Fay H. Harris, Providence Vin and Dolores Igliozzi, Providence Ruth Klepper, Upper Hudson Planned Parenthood, Albany, NY Louis Knowles, Woonsocket Ellen Kotten, executive director, Planned Parenthood, Middlesex County, NJ L.P. Mammone, Merrick, NY Betty McInnes, Valley Stream, NY Lynne Monson, director of Community Affairs, Planned Parenthood of the Union City Area, Plainfield, NJ Betty (Quinn) Mooney, Planned Parenthood North Central Indiana, South Bend Marge Moskol, Providence William A. Oakes, Warwick Ellie A. Reichstetter, Peasley, Coventry Mike Personettie, Flint, MI Etta Puicly?, Warwick James H. Reardon Jr., Stuart, FL. Clippings enclosed Marcia S. Riesman, Palm Beach, FL Cory Richards, public policy director, Alan Guttmacher Institute, Washington, D.C. Joan L. Richards, Providence Anne Fitzelle Riordan, Bridgehampton, NY Michele Boyoval Sammartino, East Greenwich Charles Sullivan, Providence Eleanor Tavner, Providence Hazel A. Temple, head, University of Rhode Island Heath Services, Exeter Helen Ucci, Johnston. Regarding her work as Volunteer Court Appointed Special Advocate with neglected and abused children R. Vecchione, Brooklyn, NY: negative K.W., North Jersey, NJ: negative. 1 15 Correspondence 1986 Jan 25 John and Lillian Affleck, (as director, Rhode Island Dept. of Social and Rehabilitative Services, John Affleck was Mary Ann Sorrentino's first supervisor when she was a welfare caseworker), Barrington. Two separate letters. Anonymous, North Providence Debby Bergh, Shelburne, VT Frances Bzowski, Johnston Dick Dannenfelser, Providence B.B. Davis, Providence Christine Deacutis, North Kingstown: negative Deedra Derocher Sandra Enos, Warwick George E. Ernst, Cranston Joe Fuoco, writer, "The Echo," Cranston Philip L. Gamble, Newport Julie Gutterman, Providence. Regarding her work as a social worker at the Adams Center for Children's Services at the East Bay Mental Health Center Mrs. R. C. Hollingworth, Cranston Patty Klibanoff, Providence Mary M. Luke, executive director of Planned Parenthood San Francisco, Classical High School classmate Michael, Providence Cathy Michael, Warren Ellen Miele, Newport Miriam Morgan, Wyoming Doug Nagle, Cranston Fran Nash, Kingston Maxine Richman, Barrington Kathy Uhler-Hammond, Day Care Director, Hope Neighborhood Association, Inc., Providence Ann Vincent, Wakefield Ilene Winkler, New York, NY. Regarding her experiences as one of the first women hired in a previously male-dominated are of the telephone company. 1 16 Correspondence 1986 Jan 26 Carl Bonomeo Ahear, Providence Selena M. Caidin, Pawtucket Joe Curtin, Folsom, CA Mrs. Elly, North Providence Gayle L. Gifford, Providence. Regarding letter to Bishop (copy enclosed) asking to be excommunicated Peter F. Gray Cranston Rosalyn Mastrioanni Hirsch, Littleton, CO Libby Howell, Elmira, NY Sue C. Hunt, San Rafael, CA John Lavin, St. William's Church. Warwick Edna and Lew Lipsitt, Providence John P. Lynch, Esmond: copy of letter to "Providence Journal" Susan S. Macy, Wickford Dr. Steven G. and Katherine B. McCloy, Barrington Eleanore Bradford Monahan, Providence Sandra Patrick, Barrington Abe Pollock, Ballwin, MD Gertrude Steinhardt, Barrington Joan Thomas, Planned Parenthood of Connecticut, Danielson Lilyanne Paolucci Werle, anti-abortion, Warwick. Regarding leaving Roman Catholic Church Paula J. Weston, Providence 2 1 Correspondence 1986 Jan 27 Thomas E. Ahlburn, senior minister, First Unitarian Church of Providence. Petition of support enclosed Dr. Ann Merriol Almond, West Hartford, CT. Anonymous, Providence: anti-abortion, but supportive Marcia Blair, Jamestown Eleanor K. Blakeslee, Warwick Ruth Bonito, Windsor Locks, CT Mildred Brownell, North Providence Daniel Burke, Providence Jo Burke, Providence Marklyn Champagne, Moonstone Group, West Greenwich Joe De Lelho, Providence Rosalie Fain, Virgin Islands Barbara Ferraro and Pat Hussey, nuns who signed "New York Times" letter on reproductive freedom, Charleston, WVA Charles Greenwood, Providence Barbara Hunt, wife of Episcopal bishop, Providence Kathy A. Leckie, Barrington Jan Lisle, Providence Barbara Maves, Planned Parenthood of East Central Indiana, Muncie Phyllis M. McDermott, Coventry. Includes letter to the editor Roberta McMahon, East Greenwich Dotsy (Dorothea) Merola, North Providence Katherine H. Meyer, North Kingston Edmund and Joyce Miller, Warwick: letter to editor, prayer, disagree Peg Murphy, Naperville, IL Phyllis Procaccini, Classical High classmate, Portsmouth Anita F. Redlich, Prevention Counceling Services, East Providence Mary L. Regan, Cranston. Regarding her experiences with the Catholic Church and Planned Parenthood Rose and Frank, Providence Sam, Providence Joan Daley Uebelhoer, executive director, Planned Parenthood of Northeastern Indiana, Fort Wayne Pamela G. Veerhusen, administrative assistant to president, Planned Parenthood Federation, New York Robert S. Vitello, Warren Suzanne M. Waterous, West Kingston Renee White, North Providence Dr. Marion E. Wilson, Newport. Includes letter to editor Nancy Ann Wolfenden, Coventry. Regarding excommunication of her mother 2 2 Correspondence 1986 Jan 28 Anonymous, Providence. Includes St. Jude card Marion F. Avarista, director, Roman Catholic Diocese of Providence Vicarate for Community Affairs, Cranston. Includes letter to editor Nathan P. Baker, Lauderdale Lakes, FL Hazelle G. Byers, Providence Vanessa L. Cooley, Southeastern Massachusetts University, North Dartmouth, MA GYN Services, Providence Margaret Harmaian, Sister of Lucy, Providence Judy N. Herman, Providence. Regarding deaths of teenage friends from illegal abortions Charlotte Greason Hayes, East Greenwich Helen King, Providence Phoebe Murdock, Providence Lise Hart O'Brien, Barrington Miriam R. Plitt, Pawtucket Herbert Fox Rommel, Newport Estheruth and Lenny Rumpler?, Barrington Lila Sapinsley, former Rhode Island Senate Majority Leader, Providence Speaking For Ourselves, WNYC Am 83, New York City, regarding Mary Ann Sorrentino's appearance on the program Gloria H. Spears, Narragansett Evelyn Verdi Spirito, Cranston Barbara Tabler, Berkeley, CA Lorraine E. Tisdale, Cranston Helen Turner, West Warwick 2 3 Correspondence 1986 Jan 29-1986 Jan 31, undated Beverly Edwards, Little Compton Father Andrew M. Greeley, New York, NY Norma Johnson, Planned Parenthood of Dutchess-Ulster Jim Lefevre, excutive director, Planned Parenthood of Northern New England, Burlington, VT Lindell Clark Northrup, Solon, OH Fran Quinlan, Exeter Carol Reagan Shelton, Cranston. Includes letter to editor Anonymous, Providence Shannon M. Bradshaw, East Hartford, CT Marie P. Close, Riverside Judy Fernald, Greenville Margaret Kane, Providence Irving Kronenberg, Hartford, CT Mark S. Lerner, South Orange, NJ Morgan Plant, executive director, Planned Parenthood Pennsylvania Affiliates (Harrisburg) Margaret C. Baber, Cranston Hortense Beauchesne, Bristol Rosemary M. Colt, Little Compton Rhoda Flaxman, Seekonk, MA A. Gage, East Amherst, NY Patricia Grande, Westerly Ellen and Larry Grebstein, Kingston Joan Koehler, Union City, NJ Jackie Longacre, Tulsa, OK John P. Lynch, Pawtucket, Includes letter to editor Jodi magee, public affairs coordinator, Planned Parenthood Connecticut, Weatogue Jane Mowry, Slatersville Anonymous Two broadsides regarding protestants and Catholics 2 4 Correspondence 1986 Feb 1-1986 Feb 4 Lucy Ebisch, Madison, WI Lindsey Smith, Newport. Includes copy of letter to Father Matano Gloria Lewitt, volunteer, Planned Parenthood of Westchester, NY, Scarsdale Maureen Liptack, Larchmont, NY Malcolm M. Marsden, Elmira College advisor, Elmira, NY Denise Sheldon, Dover, NH: disagrees Lynn Brown, Planned Parenthood of Greater Camden, NJ. Includes clipping Andrea Ignatoff, Providence Kevin O'Brien, Putney, VT Ann Corsello, St. Petersburg, FL Nancy Finneran, SL, Denver, CO Mabel Kelly, Sister of Mercy, Warwick Teresa Mahony, Warwick: negative Sue Morveyer?, Planned Parenthood of Butler County, Hamilton, OH Caroline T. Stewart, Providence. Includes clipping Dorothy Wahl, Providence 2 5 Correspondence 1986 Feb 5-1986 Feb 8 Ethelyn Bishop, North Atlantic Regional Council Chair, Planned Parenthood Federation, Oak Brook, IL Carole Cohen, Barrington Mary Congo, Brighton, MA. Includes pamphlet: "We are Catholics and We Are Feminists" Paula K. Harney, Granger, IN Annina McCarthy, Johnston Gloria (Buonanno) Radway, Rumford Ardis Ryder, Philadelphia, PA Sarah H. Bosworth, Bristol Debra Blaine, Providence Jim Costigan, Deham, MA: negative. Includes one pamphlet, two broadsides regarding church Barbara Ferraro and Patricia Hussey, Sisters of Notre Dame who signed "New York Times" letter, Charlestown, WV: copy of letter to Bishop Louis Gelineau JoAnne E. Peterson, executive director, Planned Parenthood of Mid-Michigan, Ann Arbor Steven Sookikian, Providence Carol A. Belair, Adamsville Lillian Walsh, Waltham, MA 2 6 Correspondence 1986 Feb 9-1986 Feb 13 Anne Cohan, Tavernier, FL Lucy Z. Leigh, Newton, PA Marguerite Beaubien, Cranston Adele Morse, Barrington S. Logan and Mary Shanaman, Media, PA Esther Elkin, Providence. Includes letter from Abby (Elkin) Richter, Israel Elizabeth M. Leonard, Marietta, GA Barry Schiller, North Providence Eleanor F. Slater, Wickford Richard and Barbara Cavas-Mitson, Providence Maurice V. Holmes, Jr., Riverside. Regarding Genesis community Mike Gerhardt, Barrington Diane Janson, Providence Patty McGrath, Boise, ID: religious community Phyl V__?, Hicksville, NY 2 7 Correspondence 1986 Feb 14-1986 Feb 23 David Crombie, Providence Mary M. Sierho, Providence Lynore G. Banchoff, Providence. Regarding Genesis community Edith Hooker Ilmanen, New Haven, CT Dr. Elizabeth C. Small, Sparks, NV Barbara Hollender, Collinsville, CT Rosa M. Williamson, Providence Ann Brooke, Providence Mary Ferry, North Providence Natalie R. Lutz, Greenwich, CT Sr. Deborah J. Barrett, executive director, Catholic Women for Reproductive Rights, Chicago. Includes copy of letter from assistant to the vicar for Religious, Archdiocese of Philadelphia regarding Canon Law; clipping regarding CWRR Gary R. Cloutier, Arlington, VA Jeanne Allison-Deckert, Middletown, CT Nora and Bill Harris, Newington, CT Phyllis Hunt, Barrington Jayne Watt Becker, Anaheim, CA Evelyn and Leon Goldstein, Cranston Cornelia D. Jahncke, board member, Planned Parenthood Connecticut, Greenwich Alice D. Luhared?, Newport RI Marguerite Vigliani, Providence Frank Waiss, Munster, IN Rev. Blake H. Wamester, Cranston: pastoral letter 2 8 Correspondence 1986 Feb 24-1986 Feb 28 Celeste M. Andrade, Providence Barbara Askew, Granby, CT Heidi Janes, Providence Fred H. Pulver, medical director of Planned Parenthood of Schnectady, NY Susan E. Sarantos, Newport Ann Schmitt, Standford, CT Neil and Lois van de Velde, Wickford Anonymous, Middlesex, MA Ruth S. Jette, Stamford, CT Sarah M. Concannon, Louisville, KY. Includes copy of letter to Bishop Gelineau Muriel C. Clement, Norwalk, CT Paul Drisgula, executive director, Planned Parenthood Schenectady, NY Dorothy Fagelman, Delray Beach, FL Anne Fausto, Providence Kay S. Kennedy, executive director, Passaic County Committee for Planned Parenthood, Patterson, NJ David Landau, Newton Center, MA Ellen Mactas, Providence Bob Plain, Providence Jane Polsky, Ashevill, NC Frankie Smith, on executive committee, North Atlantic Regional Council, Planned Parenthood Federation, Sparta, NJ Kay Steddon, pastor, Whitlash Community Presbyterian Church, MT Mrs. R. Yates, Middletown 2 9 List of telephone callers from Donahue show regarding Mary Ann Sorrentino 1986 Feb 2 10 Correspondence 1986 Mar 1-1986 Mar 9 Anonymous, Mansfield, OH Milina and Armandom Cinami, North Providence Alison McMillan, Crawley, Tiverton Dorothy Mayhew, Spring Valley, NY. Regarding local pro-choice organization Jean M. Peaslee, Stonington, CT Franna Lowe, Providence Eleanor A. Schuster, Boca Raton, FL Donna Vanderbeck, North Kingstown Charlotte, Dallas, TX. Includes clipping Elizabeth Stahmal, Milford, CT Mario Cuomo, Governor, Albany, NY Boston Catholic Women, East Boston, MA Susan Nunes Woltag, Honolulu, HI. Includes copy of letter to Father Francis Egan regarding effect of Roman Catholic stance on birth control on her mother's life Pat Ernanwein, executive director, Planned Parenthood Pennsylvania, Newburgh, NY Pam Zappardino, Providence Bridget B. Baird, Quaker Hill, CT William Sterling, Jersey City, NJ Carolyn M. and Donald W. Layton, North Smithfield 2 11 Correspondence 1986 Mar 10-1986 Mar 29 Virginia M. Gornall, Wakefield N. Burgess Record, Farmington, ME Joan Sackett, Providence Rev. George W. Barrett, interim rector, Trinity Church, Santa Barbara, CA Francis H. and Xenia B. Horn, Kingston: copy of check in honor of Mary Ann Sorrentino, Mary Ann Sorrentino's note Margaret Nussbaum Lederer, Providence Marguerite R. Ahlberg, Sudbury, MA Abe Pollock, Ballwin, MO Dan Pellegrom, executive director, The Pathfinder Fund, Boston, Chestnut Hill, MA Anne Strutt, Storrs, CT Arnold Lerner, Hamden, CT Steve White, Planned Parenthood Dutchess-Ulster Counties, NY Phil Starr, exectutive director, Southeast Lancaster Health Services, Lancaster, PA Marie Maccaron Wiseman, North Andover, MA Maryann McCaffrey Knag, director, Birthright of Greater Stanford [anti-abortion], Darien, CT. Regarding compassion for those working on both sides of the issue Mary Virginia Partington, Narragansett Stephen and Maggie Gordon, Providence Sarah Gleason, Providence 2 11 Correspondence 1986 Apr-1986 Oct, undated Cynthia Bargman, director, Yellowstone Valley Women's Clinic, Billings, Montana Claiborne Pell, U.S. senator from Rhode Island, Washington D.C. Terry Stewart, Warwick Donna S. Lee, Edgewood Louise Savage, Fort Pierce, FL Aimee Murphy, Columbia, SC: religious commentary Fran Fracaro, Lockport, IL: religious commentary, regarding Mary Ann Sorrentino's article in "Redbook" Mrs. Charles Lachapelle, Esmond: negative Pamela Gershman, Warwick Frances Bzowski, Johnston Mary Ellen Quigley, Old Bridge, NJ Nancy Derrig, Providence Warren Dietzel, Coventry Ronald Ein, Watertown, NY Barry Hutchinson, Providence Nancy and Ron Mimi Nash, Providence Ann G. Owen, Winter Springs, FL Lee Roper, West Warwick Jill Thaler 2 13 Negative letters Mary Ann Sorrentino and staff bundled together 1986 Jan-1986 Apr, undated Dorothy L. Grueza, Lakewood, OH William Mitchell, Rice Lake, WI Jonathan Wilkes, Providence Anonymous, Providence Anonymous: obscenities Issues of "Roses," from Our Lady of the Roses Shrine, Bayside, NY, annotated by sender Sally Dytko, Marlborough, CT Anonymous, Hartford, CT. Includes Catholic pamphlet Anonymous, Cranston, RI Anonymous, Denver, CO Mrs. John W. Berry, Kenedy, TX Jocelyn Farrell, Lockport, NY Eileen M. Nicholas, Marshallville, OH Tom Baldwin, East Norwich, NY Kelly Lamkin, LaCrosse, WI. Envelope has anti-abortion emblem Gloria Santucci, Providence, RI Robert Upton, Rowley, MA Denise Lacko, Whittier, CA Anonymous 2 14 Letters regarding Stop 14 campaign 1986 Nov-1986 Dec, undated

Includes photographs of Mary Ann Sorrentino

Leslie Yale Gutterman, rabbi, Temple Beth-El, Providence Phillipe & Jorge [Chip Young and Rudy Cheeks, columnists for "The New Paper"], Providence Geoffrey B. Davis, Providence. Includes copy of his speech celebrating Proposition 14's loss Christopher Coppola, Brown University student, "Brown Daily Herald" photographer, Providence. Includes photographs of Mary Ann Sorrentino, clipping Richard W. Lisle, stockbroker, Brown, Lisle and Cummings, Providence Janet L. Hirsch, Providence Faye Wattleton, president, Planned Parenthood Federation of America, New York, NY Dianne Sprague-Wyss, staff counselor, Planned Parenthood Rhode Island 2 15 Congratulations regarding awards, thanks regarding donations, etc. 1986 Nov-1987 Apr Jodi Glass, coordinator, Feminist Resources Unlimited, Providence Jodi Glass, Providence. Regarding Mary Ann Sorrentino award given by Rhode Island Women's Political Caucus Ann Gabbianelli, National Education Association, RI. Regarding Mary Ann Sorrentino leaving Planned Parenthood Claudine Schneider, representative from RI, Washington, DC. Regarding Mary Ann Sorrentino award from the Rhode Island Women's Political Caucus Lillian Kelman Potter Goldstein, Fort Lauderdale, FL. Regarding Mary Ann Sorrentino leaving Providence Dee Dee, Jewish Federation of Rhode Island, regarding Mary Ann Sorrentino's fundraising work. James E. Mulvihill, vice-president of heath affairs, University of Connecticut: thanks Mary Ann Sorrentino for Douglas Corporation gift in her name Evelyn Quigley, Sacramento, CA: Christmas card Robert E. Casey, field representative, Rhode Island Federation of teachers. Regarding nominating Mary Ann Sorrentino for David Sweet Leadership Award Chip Young and Rudy Cheeks Benjamin R. Sturges, Providence. Congratulations Daniel E. Pellegrom, executive director, Pathfinder Fund. Includes recommendation for Mary Ann Sorrentino Evelyn Brier, Bureau of Jewish Education of Rhode Island, regarding Mary Ann Sorrentino's speech Carolyn Benedict-Drew, executive director, Family Services, Providence. Regarding Mary Ann Sorrentino tribute of May 20 Jenny Lisle, Providence. Regarding help Mary Ann Sorrentino gave her on research in surrogate maternity David G. Neumeyer, Washington, D.C. 2 Series 4. Activism 1985-1989 2 16 Sample ballot for city and state election 1985 Nov 5

Mary Ann Sorrentino appears as a potential delegate to the constitutional convention.

 2 17 Issue of "Probe" (paper of the National Assembly of Religious Women) 1985 Jan-1985 Feb

Regarding abortion and other topics

 2 18 Clippings 1989

Regarding suit against Bishop Louis Gelineau, Rev. Kenneth A. Angell, and Father William C. O'Connell. Photocopy of masthead of discarded "The Providence Visitor"

 2 18a Sorrentino honored by Planned Parenthood of Southern New England 2018 Rhonda J. Chadwick Master of Arts in History Thesis Series 5 2 19 2011 Scope and Contents note

EXCOMMUNICATED!: Mary Ann Sorrentino Battles the Catholic Church Over Reproductive Rights in Rhode Island, 1985-1986. Thesis submitted in partial fullfilment of the degree requirements for the Master of Arts in History, Dual-Degree Program in Archives and History, Simmons College, Boston, MA.

 Oral History Interview Series 6 2 20 16 May 2012 Scope and Contents note

2 CD disks of an oral history interview conducted by Rhonda J. Chadwick with Mary Ann Sorrentino. To access the audio recordings click on this link Mary Ann Sorrentino papers regarding her excommunication (Ms.90.13) Audio Files and request access.