By Susan Brinkmann, OCDS Staff Journalist A new national movement is underway to support Phoenix Bishop Thomas J. Olmsted who is under fire for confirming the excommunication of an administrator at a Catholic hospital who authorized the killing of an unborn child. American Life League (ALL) President Judie Brown is mobilizing support both nationally and internationally for Phoenix, Arizona Bishop Thomas J. Olmsted as he is under attack for his adherence to Church teaching. ALL launched a new web site that allows supporters around the world to sign a letter to be sent to Bishop Olmsted. The controversy in Phoenix erupted after 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 Olmsted, an expert in canon law, confirmed that Sr. McBride had excommunicated herself by her actions. He has come under fire from pro-abortion proponents and even some Catholics for the move. Text of the letter Brown is encouraging others to sign can be found at www.supportolmsted.com It says: "We are writing to assure you of our continued support and prayers as you persist in the battle with the culture of death in Phoenix. "We stand with you in the solidarity of the Catholic Faith and are truly grateful for your clear teaching on the dignity and personhood of every human being. "The secular news media and even many dissidents within the Catholic Church have positioned themselves to oppose your clear propagation of the Faith. We pray you take solace in the words of Our Lord in the Gospel of St. John (15:18) “If the world hate you, know ye, that it hath hated me before you.” "We the undersigned stand with you at the service of the Gospel. Please be assured of our constant prayers on your behalf and on behalf of the souls — both born and preborn — in your care." Brown is urging all Catholics to sign on to the letter. “Now is the time for all faithful Catholics to come to the defense of this steadfast shepherd,” she said.  © All Rights Reserved, Living His Life Abundantly®/Women of Grace®  http://www.womenofgrace.com