From Christopher Foley re Clergy titles.

I usually get great information on Catholic thought by reading your fine publication. However, in the current issue you have gone somewhat astray. I refer to the article on St. Mary's University by Peter McGuigan (C.I., Dec. 2005). You refer to Archbishop O'Brien as "O'Brien" and Rt. Rev. Edward McCarthy as "McCarthy," also Archbishop John T. McCarthy as "McCarthy."

I find this terminology very offensive coming from such an excellent publication as Catholic Insight. Please discontinue this practice. How would you like to be referred to as "de Valk?"

Etobicoke, ON

Editor: Thank you for your comments. Catholic Insight normally gives ecclesiastical prelates their titles. According to Canadian Press usage, however, it is customary to refer to public figures by surnames only. Some other publications follow the Canadian Press style: for instance, Toronto's Catholic Register. It often refers to cardinals and clergy without honorifics. This was introduced at the beginning of the tenure of Bernard Daly as publisher/editor of the Register. We agree that it is often jarring and unsuitable. The historian Peter McGuigan, following this secular usage, submitted his article quite some time ago, and we published it without altering that style. In fact, it slipped by us. Sorry for the slip-up.