About This Issue

To underscore the historical significance of the fiftieth anniversary of the opening of the Second Vatican Council (October 11, 1962), we are publishing two issues (spring and summer 2012) on the topic. We will feature articles on episcopal leadership and movements before, during, and after the council.

Part two of this issue, "Justus Denied in Massachusetts," provides a forum for Justus George Lawler to respond to reviews of his book, Were the Popes Against the Jews? Tracking the Myths, Confronting the Ideologies.

We are appreciative of the scholars who contributed to this issue. Steven M. Avella is professor of History at Marquette University and a priest of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee. Joseph P. Chinnici, OFM, is President of the Franciscan School of Theology in Berkeley, California. Patrick J. Hayes is archivist for the Baltimore Province of the Redemptorists. Justus George Lawler has been consulting editor of this journal since 1983. Thomas J. Shelley is professor emeritus of church history at Fordham University and a priest of the Archdiocese of New York.