A Catholic bishop in Southern California has issued a rare exemption allowing worshippers to skip Sunday Mass without guilt, citing rising fears of immigration raids across the country. On Tuesday, Bishop Alberto Rojas of the Diocese of San Bernardino released a decree that excuses Catholics from attending Mass if they fear being detained by immigration agents.
The bishop stated that the decision was made for the “spiritual welfare” of his congregation, especially those at risk of deportation. He encouraged people unable to attend due to fear to practice their faith through prayer and reflection at home.
This type of exemption is normally reserved for times of war, disasters, or major public threats. The Diocese of San Bernardino, one of the largest in the U.S., serves around one million Catholics across San Bernardino and Riverside counties.
The announcement followed a recent immigration operation at MacArthur Park in Los Angeles. Mayor Karen Bass visited the scene and called for the federal agents to leave immediately, describing the action as unacceptable.
California Governor Gavin Newsom, who has been outspoken against President Donald Trump’s immigration policies, linked the bishop’s decision to what he called aggressive enforcement tactics by federal authorities. He said people should never have to choose between their freedom and their faith.
The White House responded by pointing to Newsom’s past decisions during the COVID-19 pandemic, accusing him of hypocrisy for closing churches while allowing other industries to operate.
Father James Martin, a Catholic priest and writer, praised the diocese’s move, calling it a powerful reminder that even churches are no longer seen as safe havens for all.
This isn’t the first time a Catholic diocese has taken such action. In May, the Diocese of Nashville released a similar decree after immigration activity in Tennessee, saying no Catholic is bound to attend Mass if doing so threatens their safety.
