Stockton church sees drop in attendance over immigration raid fears
A Stockton church has reported a decline in attendance for Holy Week services due to fears of immigration raids.Reverend Nelson Rabell-González of the Lutheran Church of Santa Maria Peregrina said fewer than one-fifth of the usual congregation attends his services. He attributes it to heightened concerns over immigration raids in places of worship."There was a lot of fear," said Rabell-González.In January, the Trump administration reversed an Immigration and Customs Enforcement policy, essentially allowing raids on churches, schools, and hospitals."They were actually concerned about being in church and being actually dragged away or being intervened," Rabell-González said.Francisca Chavez, one of the churchgoers, said she no longer sees her undocumented friends at church."Churches should be sanctuary where anybody can come without fear," said Rabell-González.To address these concerns, he started delivering services online."Even if they're home that they feel connected to the community," he added.No matter how, his goal is to send a message of hope."To provide that kind of oasis for people is super important for any religious community, especially now," he said.Reverend Rabell-González is also hosting workshops along with lawyers, so people know their rights if immigration officers show up at church.See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel
