An outspoken advocate for immigration reform and more humane treatment of immigrants by federal authorities, Bishop Alberto Rojas was appointed last month to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) Committee on Migration.
Bishop Brendan Cahill of the Diocese of Victoria, the incoming chairman of the Committee, invited Bishop Rojas to become a member, Bishop Rojas said. Bishop Rojas’ official appointment was approved at the U.S. Bishops’ Fall Plenary Assembly Nov. 10-13.
“I’ll be more informed of what’s happening and how the diocese can benefit,” Bishop Rojas said, adding that he hopes to learn more about the legal rights of immigrants through his involvement on the committee. “It’s good that I’m there.”
The Committee, which meets formally twice a year, advocates for public policies toward immigrants, migrants, and refugees that conform with Church teachings, and it administers programs designed to assist in the resettlement of refugees, human trafficking victims, and other forced migrants. Its work has come to the fore over the past year as the administration of President Donald Trump has engaged in aggressive immigration enforcement actions that the Church believes have violated the human dignity and human rights of brothers and sisters in the U.S. without legal documentation.
At the conclusion of their Fall gathering the bishops issued a special pastoral message on the subject that read in part, “we oppose the indiscriminate mass deportation of people. We pray for an end to dehumanizing rhetoric and violence, whether directed at immigrants or at law enforcement. We pray that the Lord may guide the leaders of our nation, and we are grateful for past and present opportunities to dialogue with public and elected officials. In this dialogue, we will continue to advocate for meaningful immigration reform.”
While the Church has spoken against specific enforcement tactics, Bishop Rojas said he thinks the Committee on Migration will also continue to speak about the need for comprehensive reform.
“The immigration system in broken,” he says. “So, I think the push and the final aim is reform.”
Bishop Rojas received international attention last summer when he publicly denounced immigration enforcement raids being carried out all over Southern California, including specific actions at parishes in the diocese. Weeks later he issued a decree dispensing the obligation to attend weekly Mass for those who were afraid they might be detained at church. The dispensation remains in place.
Bishop Rojas’ appointment to the Committee on Migration is not the first time the Ordinary of the Diocese of San Bernardino has been a member. Bishop Gerald Barnes served as chairman of what was then the Committee on Migration and Refugee Services from 2004-2007.
Since his episcopal ordination Bishop Rojas has served on a number USCCB committees and subcommittees including Liturgy, Catholic Home Missions, Hispanic Affairs and Justice and Peace.