During an increase of reported detainments by Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers, the Archdiocese of Indianapolis issued a temporary dispensation from the obligation to attend mass.
In a general decree, Archbishop Charles C. Thompson acknowledged fear and anxiety from immigration enforcement could prevent faithful Catholics from attending mass on Sundays and other holy days.
Thompson said Catholics in the Indianapolis area who fear being detained, separated from their families or experience intimidation are granted temporary dispensation.
The dispensation lasts until Sept. 30.
In another statement, Thompson said the increase in immigration enforcement activity has been tough to watch in the community.
"While recognizing the need for law enforcement to protect and defend, it is gravely concerning to witness families being torn apart," Thompson said. "The family, the fabric of stability in our society, must be cherished and defended. The inherent dignity of being created in the image of God demands that every person be treated with dignity, compassion, and respect."
Thompson encouraged people impacted by the dispensation to supplement their spiritual practices by praying the rosary, praying with the Sunday readings and watching live-streamed mass.
"Pastors and all those who minister to the faithful within the Archdiocese of Indianapolis are encouraged to attend to the spiritual care of those who must make use of this dispensation to the best of their ability, especially regarding the Sacraments Penance and Anointing of the Sick, or the distribution of Holy Communion to the homebound," the decree said.
The move is one rarely taken by the Catholic Church, which teaches that Catholics are obligated to attend mass and that deliberately skipping it without a serious reason can constitute a mortal sin.
The Hispanic Ministry of the Archdiocese of Indianapolis also canceled its upcoming Family Camp due to ICE activity in the city.
The Indiana Catholic Conference supports Thompson's decree.
"Archbishop Thompson is rightly reiterating long standing principles in the U.S. Catholic Church's advocacy for immigration reform: family unity should be a priority and the dignity of every person should be respected," the ICC said on social media.
Contact IndyStar breaking news reporter Aubrey Wright at [email protected].
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This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Indianapolis Archbishop grants mass dispensation amid ICE fears