2 Catholic dioceses say immigrants can skip Mass over ICE raid fears

Driving the news: The Diocese of San Bernardino announced Tuesday that immigrants who had a "genuine fear" about getting caught in immigration raids were dispensed from the weekly obligation of Sunday Mass.

• "In issuing this decree, I'm guided by the Church's mission to care for the spiritual welfare of all entrusted under my care, particularly those who face fear or hardship," San Bernardino Bishop Alberto Rojas and Vicar General Gerard M. Lopez wrote.
• The diocese east of Los Angeles is the sixth-largest in the U.S. 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-speaking Mass services, per local media.

• "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," 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 puts their safety at risk."

The intrigue: Catholic priest and author James Martin called the San Bernardino dispensation a wise move.

• "It is a dramatic sign that not even Catholic churches are considered safe places any longer. Where are the voices for religious freedom now?" Martin posted on X.

State of play: The move comes after President Trump changed an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) policy that previously prevented agents from raiding churches.

• The move has met with intense criticism from some Christian leaders but drew praise from some white evangelicals.

Zoom in: It's unclear how many other dioceses are considering or have issued similar announcements.

• The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops spokesperson
  Chieko Noguchi told Axios local bishops know the needs of their dioceses and have the authority to dispense those under their pastoral care.
• "The Catholic Church recognizes that civil authorities have a duty to enforce laws and keep communities safe from violent criminals," Noguchi said.

• "However, we also believe that the God-given dignity of each person must be upheld, which includes acknowledging their right to emigrate in search of a better life and to express their religious beliefs openly and without fear."

The Department of Homeland Security did not immediately respond to Axios' request for comment.

Zoom out: Dispensations from attending Mass for large populations are rare and occur only during times of crisis, such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

• They are usually granted to sick people who physically can't attend Mass, but rarely do they involve people targeted by law enforcement.

Between the lines: A recent survey shows the issue of immigration divides white and Latino Catholics, both of whom are also split along racial lines in their support for President Trump.

• The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has been actively involved in advocating for immigrants and immigration reform in the U.S.

Go deeper: Churches turn to Christmas migrant story amid deportation fears

• Exclusive: Christian leaders blast Trump's "anti-Christian bias" unit
• ICE can raid churches and schools to arrest immigrants under new policy

Editor's note: This story has been updated with comment from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.