Reed's 13-year-long administration was a period of transition and turmoil for the diocese. Between 1962 and 1965, he attended all four sessions of the Second Vatican Council. He associated himself with the progressive wing of bishops at the Council, lending his support to the use of vernacular in the Mass and to an emphasis of pastoral over administrative skills in bishops. When he returned to Oklahoma, his attempts to implement the Council's reforms were met with both support and opposition. In 1966, Traditionalist Catholics picketed his residence and called for his removal, accusing Reed of following "un-Catholic" policies and participating in a "worldwide atheistic conspiracy for world domination" led by communists.