Perspective on the Waldensians of the 16th Century from the Letters of John Calvin

Abstract

The Synod of Chanforan in 1532 can rightly be considered a turning point in the history of the Waldensians. However, the popular romanticising of the 16th-century encounter between the Waldensians and Protestants presents a skewed picture of what truly happened. This distorted picture causes neglect in research of the post-1532 history of the Waldensians and the Protestants. This article contributes to a focus shift in terms of relationships that were built between the Protestants and the Waldensians after the Synod of Chanforan in 1532. This is done by looking at the perception of John Calvin, the Reformer, and his attitude towards the Waldensians by using the correspondence in his letters as a point of departure. From the letters of Calvin, a deeper understanding develops regarding the growing relationship between the Protestants and the Waldensians. This growing relationship was noticeable when the Protestants considered the Waldensians to be the true church of Christ. After Geneva sent numerous missionary ministers to the Waldensian valleys, it was also perceptible that the relationship between the Protestants and the Waldensians had improved, especially after the founding of the Geneva Academy in 1558. Lastly, the growing relationship of Calvin with the Waldensians was also visible since he could rebuke them regarding their confessions and ecumenical attitude towards other Protestant congregations.