I have no objections at all to Peter Robinson’s complaints about those defective teaching documents which were exercises in ill-advised clericalism. The pastoral letter on the economy was the work of a committee headed by Archbishop Rembert Weakland. It was thoroughly corrected, though not specifically cited, in the papal encyclical Centesimus Annus. The pastoral letter on nuclear armaments addressed a universe parallel to the real one and, had its indications been followed, there might still be a Soviet Union. I would add other items to Peter’s request for apologies, including recent misjudgments about the war in Iraq. In fact, in a letter to the editor published in the latest issue of Crisis magazine, I suggested an apology might be in order precisely for those. On Iraq, the US Bishops’ Conference was actually more prudent than some of the statements from Curial officials in the Vatican. – I am glad to resume contact with my friend Peter. I hope that nearly two decades ago I instructed him well enough to know that adoration should be given only to God. Humans may only be objects of respect, reverence, and veneration. But if he continues to adore me, I am reluctant to discourage grassroots piety.