The Presiding Bishop is to be commended for his concern regarding immigrants to the United States [TLC, Jan. 22]. They have, indeed, "greatly enriched our nation."

However, as a grandchild of immigrant families, I believe it is critically important for us in the church to remember there is a significant difference between legal and illegal immigration. Rationalizing illegal acts by pointing to insufferable living conditions in Mexico (or anywhere) is an affront to those who have made, and continue to make, great personal sacrifices in order to immigrate legally to this wonderful land of opportunity. Condoning illegal acts, for whatever reasons, does not make them legal or right, nor does it justify them.

Also, while California's Proposition 187 may be "bad law," dismissing people's concerns by implying racism is far too simplistic. It does nothing to help constructively address a real and growing problem, and is certainly not pastoral.

Let us by all means be compassionate, but in the name of truth let us use our words truthfully. If the church cannot or will not, who will?

(The Rev.) A. DAVID NERI

Yakima, Wash.