In early modern Spain the monarchy's universal policy toconvert all of its subjects to Christianity did not end distinctionsamong ethnic religious groups, but rather maderelations between them more contentious. Old Christians,those whose families had always been Christian, definedthemselves in opposition to forcibly baptized Muslims(moriscos) and Jews (conversos). Here historian BenjaminEhlers studies the relations between Christians and moriscosin Valencia by analyzing the ideas and policies of archbishopJuan de Ribera.Juan de Ribera, a young reformer appointed to the dioceseof Valencia in 1568, arrived at his new post to find a congregationdeeply divided between Christians and moriscos.He gradually overcame the distrust of his Christian parishionersby intertwining Tridentine themes such as the Eucharistwith local devotions and holy figures. Over time Riberacame to identify closely with the interests of his Christianflock, and his hagiographers subsequently celebrated himas a Valencian saint.Ribera did not engage in a similarly reciprocal exchangewith the moriscos; after failing to effect their true conversionthrough preaching and parish reform, he devised acovert campaign to persuade the king to banish them. His portrayal of the moriscos as traitors and heretics ultimatelyjustified the Expulsion of 16091614, which Ribera consideredthe triumphant culmination of the Reconquest.Ehler's sophisticated yet accessible study of the pluralistdiocese of Valencia is a valuable contribution to the studyof Catholic reform, moriscos, Christian-Muslim relationsin early modern Spain, and early modern Europe. 1 line drawing, 8 halftones.
