In an unprecedented move, the Diocese of San Bernardino is allowing members to forgo attending Mass due to legitimate fears of immigration enforcement actions. Bishop Alberto Rojas, who oversees a congregation of approximately 1.6 million in Southern California, communicated this message in a letter. He stated that any parishioner who feels unsafe attending Mass on Sundays or holy days can be “dispensed from this obligation.” This decision reflects the diocese's sensitivity to the ongoing climate of fear cultivated by federal immigration policies, particularly under the Trump administration.
This announcement marks a rare exemption, typically reserved for singular circumstances such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Rojas' decision comes as immigration enforcement escalates in the area, with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents conducting undercover operations in public spaces. Reports of detentions, such as those outside churches, have contributed to an atmosphere of anxiety within the community.
Furthermore, this is not an isolated instance; another diocese in Nashville also issued a similar directive following immigration raids in their region. Their stance echoed that "no Catholic is obligated to attend Mass on Sunday if doing so puts their safety at risk."
As these developments unfold, local leaders and communities advocate for the safety and well-being of vulnerable populations while navigating the complexities of faith and immigration policy.
This announcement marks a rare exemption, typically reserved for singular circumstances such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Rojas' decision comes as immigration enforcement escalates in the area, with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents conducting undercover operations in public spaces. Reports of detentions, such as those outside churches, have contributed to an atmosphere of anxiety within the community.
Furthermore, this is not an isolated instance; another diocese in Nashville also issued a similar directive following immigration raids in their region. Their stance echoed that "no Catholic is obligated to attend Mass on Sunday if doing so puts their safety at risk."
As these developments unfold, local leaders and communities advocate for the safety and well-being of vulnerable populations while navigating the complexities of faith and immigration policy.
