California Bishop Grants Mass Exemption Due to ICE Raid Fears | JQJO

Bishop Alberto Rojas of the San Bernardino Diocese issued a rare decree excusing Catholics from attending Mass due to fear of ICE raids. This exemption, citing Canon 1247, is granted to those unable to attend due to genuine fear of immigration enforcement. While exemptions are given in cases of natural disasters or pandemics, this is believed to be the first time a bishop has made such a decree over immigration concerns. The Diocese of San Bernardino serves approximately 1.6 million Catholics.