The Diocese of San Bernardino has announced that parishioners will not be required to attend Mass if they harbor a “genuine fear of immigration enforcement actions.” This significant statement, made by Bishop Alberto Rojas, comes as a response to heightened anxieties regarding federal immigration raids in the area.
Bishop Rojas’ letter to the Catholic community emphasizes the safety of worshippers, particularly as many feel threatened by recent activities of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The bishop acknowledged that this dispensation from attending Mass is only the second occurrence of its kind, usually reserved for rare situations such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
The San Bernardino diocese, which serves approximately 1.6 million Catholics in Southern California, is following a similar stance adopted by the Nashville diocese earlier this year. Both dioceses recognize the need to protect their members amidst increasing immigration arrests, which have intensified since early June, culminating in around 2,000 detentions within the Los Angeles region.
Reports indicate that ICE agents are undertaking significant enforcement actions in public spaces, leading to fears among local communities. Observers have pointed out recent incidents of immigration arrests occurring outside places of worship, underlining the tense atmosphere for immigrants and their families.
As the situation evolves, church leaders like Bishop Rojas are navigating the intersection of faith and current societal challenges, aiming to provide reassurance to their congregations during a time of uncertainty and fear.
Bishop Rojas’ letter to the Catholic community emphasizes the safety of worshippers, particularly as many feel threatened by recent activities of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The bishop acknowledged that this dispensation from attending Mass is only the second occurrence of its kind, usually reserved for rare situations such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
The San Bernardino diocese, which serves approximately 1.6 million Catholics in Southern California, is following a similar stance adopted by the Nashville diocese earlier this year. Both dioceses recognize the need to protect their members amidst increasing immigration arrests, which have intensified since early June, culminating in around 2,000 detentions within the Los Angeles region.
Reports indicate that ICE agents are undertaking significant enforcement actions in public spaces, leading to fears among local communities. Observers have pointed out recent incidents of immigration arrests occurring outside places of worship, underlining the tense atmosphere for immigrants and their families.
As the situation evolves, church leaders like Bishop Rojas are navigating the intersection of faith and current societal challenges, aiming to provide reassurance to their congregations during a time of uncertainty and fear.
