The Waldensians Meet the Reformation Season 1 | Episode 35
For centuries the Waldensians had been a beacon of light
shining amidst the prevailing darkness.
Faithfully they preserved God's Word
and worked tirelessly to share it throughout Europe.
For this they paid a high price,
facing wave after wave of bitter persecution.
The intense persecution that they faced began to wear down the Waldensian churches
and they began to give in to the temptation to compromise.
Many began to render an outward compliance to the papacy
while trying to remain true to their faith in God's Word.
But this course of action began to quietly erode the purity of their faith.
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Around this time of crisis,
the Waldensians got word of the Reformation
that was beginning to take root throughout Europe.
They heard of the work that was taking place
in Germany, Switzerland, and France,
and in order to fully understand the nature of this new movement
and determine what similarities they shared,
the Waldensian churches decided to send
a few delegations of ambassadors to the churches in Europe.
As these ambassadors came back,
they brought back some of the writings of the leading Reformers
as well as reports of what similarities they shared
and this greatly encouraged the Waldensian believers.
Up until this point they had been a lone voice
calling people back to the standard of God's Word
and reports of other like-minded believers was a source of great comfort to them.
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The leaders of the Waldensian churches then decided to convene a synod
with representatives from the Protestant churches
so they could meet with the leaders of the Waldensian churches
to discuss their beliefs and further determine the relationship
that the Waldensians would have with the Reformation as a whole.
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On the 12th of October 1532,
right here in the Angrogna Valley,
the Synod of Chanforan was convened and sat for six consecutive days.
One of the most significant decisions that was made
was the resolution to translate and print the entire Bible into the French language,
and the Waldensian churches raised the funds for this endeavor.
The work was then undertaken by Calvin and his cousin Olivetan
and was completed in 1535.
The Bible was then printed in Neuchâtel, Switzerland
and then distributed amongst the French-speaking Protestants in Europe.
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Some of the commonalities shared between the two churches
was a rejection of decidedly papal institutions
such as the mass, confession, the celebration of feasts,
the worship of saints, the celebration of Lent,
the observance of the lenticular fast,
and prayers for the dead.
Other doctrines that they also rejected were purgatory, penance, and celibacy.
However it was not all good.
In their joy at finding fellowship,
the Waldensian churches were quick to embrace
some of the shortcomings of the Reformation as well.
Whilst the Reformation of the sixteenth century
was a decided step in the right direction,
it did not bring about a complete restoration of biblical truth.
In some areas of belief and doctrine the Waldensians made compromises
that represented a step backwards
as they found fellowship with the Reformation.
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Two things stand out from the Synod of Chanforan.
Firstly, we see the importance of Christian fellowship
and we see the importance of the accountability and encouragement
that comes with Christian fellowship.
However, fellowship can be a two-edged sword,
and sometimes we can be tempted to compromise
as we do fellowship with other believers.
Let us be careful as we're on this road to heaven,
that we do not let our Christian experience be derailed
but that we stay on track and keep our eyes focused on Jesus.