At least two Catholic dioceses in the United States have said that if Catholic immigrants fear attending Mass because of immigration enforcement, they are exempt. Attending Mass on Sunday is considered a religious obligation for practicing Catholics.
The Diocese of Nashville and the Diocese of San Bernardino are granting dispensations to immigrants who have “genuine fear” over immigration raids.
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“Recognizing that fear of immigration enforcement, such as raids by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), may deter some members of our diocese from fulfilling the obligation to attend Mass,” San Bernardino Bishop Alberto Rojas wrote in a letter.
“Acknowledging that such fear constitutes a grave inconvenience that may impede the spiritual good of the faithful,” he added.
The Church is asking its leaders to adapt to the reality that many immigrant parishioners are living in fear and to make sure they are still spiritually supported and included, even if they can’t come to church in person.
“Parishes are encouraged to explore alternative means of catechesis and sacramental preparation for those unable to attend regularly,” Bishop Alberto Rojas wrote.
Nashville Diocese issues similar decree
The Diocese of Nashville also issued a decree in May. “In response to the recent immigration enforcement activities in the Nashville area, many of those in our diocese are concerned about possibly being confronted or detained while attending Mass or other parish events. Our churches remain open to welcome and serve our parish communities, but no Catholic is obligated to attend Mass on Sunday if doing so puts their safety at risk,” a statement from the church reads.
The Catholic Church can grant dispensations, also known as exceptions, for Catholics in certain circumstances to not attend Mass. The exemptions could include illness, extreme weather, or, in this case, fear of immigration enforcement.
Lawsuit filed over ICE enforcement in religious spaces
In February, Straight Arrow News reported that 27 religious groups, specifically Jewish and Christian organizations, filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration. They argued they needed to take legal action to defend the right of immigrants to worship freely without fear of being detained by immigration authorities while at a house of worship.
However, on Friday, April 11, U.S. District Judge Dabney Friedrich issued a ruling siding with the Trump administration, ultimately denying the claims brought by the groups.
“At least at this juncture and on this record, the plaintiffs have not made the requisite showing of a ‘credible threat’ of enforcement,” Judge Friedrich wrote. “Nor does the present record show that places of worship are being singled out as special targets.”
Straight Arrow News has reached out to the Vatican and the Catholic Conference of Bishops for comment.
