Bishop Alberto Rojas of the Diocese of San Bernardino has become the first in the nation to lift the obligation for Catholics to attend Sunday Mass and Masses on holy days due to fears of immigration raids. This decision comes after immigration agents conducted detentions on two diocesan properties in June. Bishop Rojas expressed that these actions have created significant fear, confusion, and anxiety among the community.
According to the New York Times, Bishop Rojas stated, “Authorities are now seizing brothers and sisters indiscriminately, without respect for their right to due process and their dignity as children of God.” He urged public officials to reconsider their tactics and to adopt an approach that respects human rights and dignity.
The Diocese of San Bernardino, which serves over a million Catholics, is the first to issue such a dispensation in response to immigration enforcement actions. The last time a similar decree was issued was during the COVID-19 pandemic to protect the health and safety of parishioners.
Catholic leaders nationwide have reported a decline in Mass attendance due to immigration actions. The Diocese of Nashville had previously stated that Catholics are not obligated to attend Mass if it endangers their safety.
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