There are three particular stories in this edition of the Register that highlight the important role our bishops have in our Church.

In our continuing coverage of the Second Vatican Council’s 50th anniversary, Cardinal William Levada, former prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, addresses and corrects (on page 1) some of the many misconceptions about the Council.

On the same page, Archbishop William Lori of Baltimore calmly but forcefully lays out how the Church continues to confront the unjust threat to religious liberty — and faithfully serves all people in an ever-polarizing culture.

On page 3, Bishop Thomas Paprocki of Springfield, Ill., further defines what it means to be a Catholic voter, decisively explaining how cooperation with intrinsic evil threatens a person’s eternal salvation.

It’s important for us to realize that our priests and bishops — and Pope Benedict XVI — are first and foremost "shepherds." They are the leaders in the faith — and they are standing up and speaking out.

Yet sometimes we can get caught up in wanting our bishops to do all the work for us in fighting injustice in our world. That’s a fundamental job that we all share. It is up to you and me and all good people everywhere to witness to Truth in society. Only then, in unity and under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, will we see positive change.

God bless you!