San Bernardino bishop dispenses Sunday obligation over ICE fears

Bishop Alberto Rojas of San Bernardino issued a dispensation from Sunday Mass and holy days of obligation July 8, citing “genuine fear of immigration enforcement actions” among parishioners.

In his letter to the faithful, Bishop Rojas cited Canon 87 §1, which allows diocesan bishops to exempt parishioners from universal norms “whenever he judges that it contributes to their spiritual good.” 

“All members of the faithful in the Diocese of San Bernardino who, due to genuine fear of immigration enforcement actions,” he wrote, “are unable to attend Sunday Mass or Masses on holy days of obligation are dispensed from this obligation.”

He pointed to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) “raids” as a deterrent for Catholics. He also urged those excused from attending to remain spiritually engaged through prayer, spiritual reading, or livestreamed Mass.

The dispensation remains in effect until further notice or until the “circumstances necessitating this decree are sufficiently resolved.”

Bishop Rojas criticized ICE’s activity in June after agents detained individuals in the parking lots of two California parish properties. The diocese also released guidance for churches facing potential ICE visits. 

Reaction to the decree was swift on social media. 

Eric Sammons, editor-in-chief of Crisis Magazine, wrote on X, “While American bishops dispense Catholics from the Sunday obligation due to the potential of being (legitimately) arrested, African Catholics in our day are attending Mass in spite of the potential of being killed by Muslims.” 

In May, the Diocese of Nashville issued a similar statement, noting that many parishioners “are concerned about possibly being confronted or detained while attending Mass or other parish events.” 

“[N]o Catholic is obligated to attend Mass on Sunday if doing so puts their safety at risk,” the diocese said.