By Christian Dispatch Staff | July 14, 2025
Two U.S. Catholic dioceses—San Bernardino in California and Nashville in Tennessee—have issued exemptions allowing undocumented immigrants to skip Sunday Mass due to growing fears of immigration raids under the Trump administration’s deportation push.
Citing “pastoral needs,” San Bernardino Bishop Alberto Rojas said those with genuine fear of immigration enforcement are dispensed from the obligation to attend Mass until further notice. Nashville’s diocese issued a similar exemption after witnessing a dramatic drop in attendance at Spanish-language services.
Both dioceses urged faithful to stay spiritually engaged through prayer, scripture, and televised Masses. Church leaders also expressed concern over recent ICE actions near parish properties and called for immigration reform that respects human dignity and due process.
