Church leaders see dip in attendance by Hispanic families

MEMPHIS, Tenn. -- Some faith leaders say deportation fears have led to declines in attendance at churches.

“Church leaders who serve Hispanic communities in Memphis say the immigration enforcement has forced some of their members to choose between their faith and safety,” said Pastor Rolando Rostro, Founder, Iglesia Nueva Vida Church. “The attendance to churches within our community is down up to 40%. The fear of leaving their homes and going to church, because the government is targeting them because of our skin color.”

Faith leaders say fear is pervasive in some Hispanic communities, regardless of their immigration statuses.

Thursday, they talked about how the presence of ICE, and the Memphis Safe Task Force has forced some churches to close or make other adjustments.

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