‘Sanctuary for Undocumented’

The column “Sanctuary for the Undocumented: Above the Law, but Faithful to a Higher Authority,” by Fathers Gregory Boyle, Luis Olivares and Michael Kennedy (Op-Ed Page, Sept. 21) was a brilliant and concrete exposition of the dilemma in the conscience of a person when human law conflicts with values coming from God and church. Especially in serious life issues the question arises: Who is the ultimate guide in my life when there is a conflict in values. For the believer the answer must be God and church.

The column deals with this dilemma regarding a concrete situation--the lives of the undocumented people from Central America. I appreciated the nuances and delicate distinctions made by the three courageous priests. When law destroys both the human rights of people and the possibility of serving them as Jesus would, the law must be disobeyed.

I support Fathers Boyle, Olivares and Kennedy in this conviction and action. I, too, am unable in my conscience to carry out the injustice contained in the new immigration law, especially the sections dealing with the human right to work. Whatever consequences this civil disobedience has is part and parcel of attempting to live out the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Jesus did this and was ultimately executed for it; his followers must do likewise.

FATHER DON R. KRIBS

Los Angeles