To: His Holiness Pope Leo XIV Apostolic Palace 00120 Vatican City

From: Concerned Parishioners of Charlotte Catholic Diocese, Charlotte, North Carolina, United States

Date: September 1, 2025

Subject: Formal Petition for Intervention Regarding Liturgical Suppression, Accessibility Violations, and Financial Misrepresentation by Bishop Michael T. Martin

Your Holiness,

We write to you as faithful Catholics whose covenant of worship has been violated under the leadership of Bishop Michael Thomas Martin, OFM Conv., the current Bishop of Charlotte. Since his installation in May 2024, Bishop Martin has overseen the removal of Latin Rite liturgical practices and sacred architectural elements—including kneelers and altar rails—that have long defined our parish’s spiritual identity, accessibility, and reverence.

These actions were executed without pastoral consultation, theological justification, or regard for the elderly, disabled, and culturally rooted members of our community. The result is not renewal—it is rupture. Bishop Martin’s conduct constitutes a betrayal of both Canon Law and the Church’s moral obligation to shepherd, not silence, the faithful.

 
I. Canonical and Pastoral Violations
Bishop Martin has violated the following canonical obligations:

Canon 213: Denying spiritual assistance through the removal of traditional rites and physical supports.

Canon 214: Suppressing the right of the faithful to worship according to an approved rite.

Canon 528 §2: Undermining the Eucharist as the center of parish life by removing accessible and reverent liturgical elements.

Canon 846 §2: Altering liturgical norms without legitimate pastoral discernment or justification.

These infractions are not administrative oversights—they are deliberate acts of erasure. Bishop Martin has demonstrated a pattern of negligence and disregard for the spiritual and physical needs of his flock. We assert, with clarity and conviction, that he is unfit to continue leading the Diocese of Charlotte.

II. Civil Rights and Constitutional Concerns
As American citizens, we are protected under the First Amendment and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The bishop’s actions have:

Disproportionately burdened disabled congregants, violating principles of reasonable accommodation.

Suppressed our free exercise of religion, particularly in the exclusion of Latin Rite practices.

Violated our rights to religious expression and community participation, both civil and ecclesial.
 
III. Financial Misrepresentation and Demand for Restitution

For years, parishioners have been solicited for donations under the promise of sustaining our sacred traditions and parish integrity. These funds were given in good faith, with the understanding that our liturgical and architectural heritage would be preserved. Instead, our most integral expressions of faith have been stripped away.

We therefore faithfully and obediently request and require :

Immediate good faith restitution of all parish funds donated to the Diocese of Charlotte until Latin Rite practices and kneelers are reinstated.

A formal investigation into the financial misrepresentation and spiritual fraud committed under Bishop Martin’s leadership.

A public accounting of diocesan expenditures related to the suppression of traditional liturgy.

Fraud is not too strong a word. The solicitation of funds under false spiritual pretenses is a violation of both ecclesial trust and civil ethics.

 
IV. Request for Papal Intervention
We implore Your Holiness to:

Investigate Bishop Martin’s conduct and remove him from diocesan leadership.
Reinstate Latin Rite liturgical practices and sacred architectural elements at Catholic Churches in Charlotte,  North Carolina. 

Affirm the rights of parish communities to worship according to approved rites and with full accessibility.

Reiterate that diocesan authority must serve—not override—the faithful.
 
Conclusion:

This is not a request for comfort. It is a demand for justice. We will not accept the suppression of our faith, the marginalization of our elders, or the exploitation of our generosity. The Church must not become a place where tradition is punished and dignity denied.

We await your response with urgency and hope.

In Christ’s truth and mercy, 

 On behalf of the aggrieved  Parishioners of Charlotte, North Carolina, United States