Catholic dioceses allow immigrants no attend Mass for fear of ICE raids
Bishop Alberto Rojas announced the decree in which he recognizes the concern and fear of many faithful about attending Mass
After Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents raided Catholic churches in the cities of Montclair and Highland, in Southern California, a wave of fear and confusion was generated among migrant communities and the parishioners.
Amid this situation, at least two Catholic dioceses in the United States say that immigrants who fear being detained by the ongoing immigration raids are not required to attend Sunday Mass.
Bishop Alberto Rojas of the Diocese of San Bernardino, California, not only dispensed Catholic migrants from their obligation to attend Mass by denouncing the “fear” of the raids, but also criticized President Donald Trump’s immigration policy.
“The authorities are now detaining brothers and sisters indiscriminately, without respecting their right to due process, nor their dignity as children of God,” the bishop said regarding the arrests.
In the face of fear, the diocese offers help to the immigrant community, from community workshops to help with legal services. In addition, they have published a list of recommendations in case ICE arrives at the churches.
“In issuing this decree, I am guided by the Church’s mission to ensure the spiritual well-being of all those under my care, particularly those facing fear or hardship,” wrote Bishop Alberto Rojas and Vicar General Gerard M. López.
The diocese east of Los Angeles is the sixth largest in the United States and serves around 1 million Catholics, according to its website.
The Diocese of Nashville issued a similar decree in May after officials noticed a significant decline in attendance at Spanish-language Mass services, according to local media.
“In response to recent immigration enforcement activities in the Nashville area, many in our diocese are concerned about the possibility of being confronted or detained while attending Mass or other parish events, ”the diocese said in a statement.
Our churches remain open to welcome and serve our parish communities, but no Catholic is obligated to attend Mass on Sunday if doing so would put their safety at risk.
Migrant fears flared again Monday when dozens of federal agents surrounded MacArthur Park in downtown Los Angeles in a deployment that included helicopters and armored vehicles, in what local officials called a “military operation” and a “set-up” to generate fear and chaos.