Tempio Valdese (Torre Pellice)

 church, christianity

Who are the Waldensians?

They are the oldest Protestant denomination in the world. Founded by an itinerant evangelist called Valdo (1140-1217). He lived during the same period as St. Francis of Assisi and believed in the value of evangelical poverty in order to freely preach the Gospel. Itinerant preachers called "Barba's" were sent out all over Europe preaching the Gospel in the language of the people. These preachers were severely persecuted. From 1532 the Waldensians joined the Calvinists in the great Reformation.

The core of Waldensians settled in the mountains and valleys in the Piedmont region of Italy (on the French border). After years of suffering for their faith, the Waldensians were given an Edict of Emancipation by King Carlo Alberto. From that time forward the Italian Waldensians have played an active role in establishing freedom, democracy, and the Protestant Church in Italy. They were finally recognized by the Italian State and national constitution in 1984.

An important event happened in 1979; the conjoining of the Methodist Church and the Waldensian Church. This was necessary in order to streamline the many diaconal ministries within which both churches are actively involved. Even though the numbers are small, (40,000 church members), the diaconal ministries and committment to peace and justice is strong. Today congregations and ministries can be found all over Italy, from the northern Alps to the south in Sicily.