Bishop Grants Dispensation for Mass Attendance Amid Immigration Raid Fears

The Diocese of San Bernardino, which serves approximately 1.6 million Catholics in Southern California, has taken a remarkable step to assuage fears within its community regarding immigration raids. In a letter issued on Tuesday, Bishop Alberto Rojas announced that parishioners who experience a “genuine fear of immigration enforcement actions” will be excused from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass and holy days. This rare dispensation mirrors decisions made by other dioceses experiencing similar concerns, indicating a broader trend in response to intensified federal immigration actions under the Trump administration.

Since June 6, there have been nearly 2,000 arrests made by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents in the Los Angeles area alone, heightening the atmosphere of fear within immigrant populations. As ICE has conducted raids in public spaces like shopping centers and parking lots, some church leaders have called attention to the potential dangers that congregants face when attending services. For instance, an alarming incident in Downey saw armed officers detain a Latino man outside a church, prompting local pastors to express serious concerns. The diocese's decision follows another religious community in Nashville, which previously declared that no Catholic should feel obliged to participate in Mass if it jeopardizes their safety. This evolving stance highlights the intersection of faith and social justice as communities navigate the realities of immigration enforcement.