ABSTRACT
In the sixteenth century, the Spanish Church underwent massive renewal and solidified its identity through Tridentine reforms. In addition to the threat of luteranos, anxieties about orthodoxy among Old Christians and clerical reform proved troublesome as well. However, because of its relatively high morisco population, a parallel set of priorities emerged in Valencia. Re-education efforts were prevalent from the mid-1500s onwards, with several catechisms published in Valencia for the express purpose of ensuring meaningful conversions among the moriscos. Even though the conversions had occurred unexpectedly and in less than ideal circumstances, the decision to uphold the baptisms required that the newly converted be re-educated in the Catholic faith. By the 1560s, the spirit of Tridentine reforms was evident in Spain. Expectations for clerical education increased, and efforts were made to reduce clerical abuses and to educate the laity. Progress was slow in Valencia, however. In 1564, a third congregation assembled to address the morisco problems in Valencia.
