Bishop allows churchgoers to skip mass over immigration fears

In the United States, specifically in California, Bishop Alberto Rojas of the Diocese of San Bernardino formally excused parishioners from attending Sunday Mass in light of widespread fears regarding potential immigration enforcement actions. This unprecedented decree was issued following reports of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations affecting church grounds, which heightened anxiety among immigrant communities, particularly those without legal status. Bishop Rojas recognized the intense fear among members of his diocese and sought to alleviate the spiritual burden they may feel if they cannot fulfill their religious obligations. The diocese covers a large area in Southern California, serving over 1.7 million Catholics, many of whom are Latino and have been significantly impacted by recent immigration policies under the Trump administration. Bishop Rojas emphasized that the existing climate of fear and confusion surrounding immigration enforcement was a genuine obstacle to parishioners' spiritual well-being. He encouraged churches to offer alternative spiritual practices, such as virtual Masses and personal prayer, to support those unable to attend due to safety concerns. This action by Bishop Rojas makes the Diocese of San Bernardino the first in the nation to issue such a formal dispensation related to fears of deportation. The decision aimed to foster a welcoming environment for all community members and provide comfort and support amid challenging circumstances. By lifting the obligation to attend Mass, Rojas highlighted the need for compassion within the Church, particularly as many churchgoers felt threatened by the possibility of arrest during Mass. The memo from the bishop followed two incidents in June where ICE agents conducted detentions at Catholic properties, further increasing anxiety among community members. Consequently, this prompted Bishop Rojas to advocate for a call to action among public officials, urging reconsideration of punitive immigration enforcement practices that disregard the rights and dignity of individuals. His actions not only demonstrate a pastoral response to the emotional realities faced by parishioners but also reflect broader tensions within the U.S. discourse on immigration, faith, and community safety. Overall, Rojas's decree signifies a significant intersection of religious duty and social justice, highlighting the challenges faced by immigrant populations in the contemporary United States.