The Waldensians: The Early Roman Catholic Church

The Waldensians are a Christian branch of the early Roman Catholic Church that were founded in the late 1170s by Waldo of Lyons (also called Valdes). However, some people do believe the group predates Waldo, and only gained popularity while fleeing from prosecution to France. Their official symbol is that of a candle set on top of a bible, with the slogan “Lux Lucet in Tenebris” or “A light shining in the darkness.” Waldo was a wealthy merchant who gave away all his money and land to start preaching, and his declaration Profession of Faith, was the official writing of his beliefs. This writing advocated poverty in the church and helping the poor. The ensuing movement was often referred to as “The Poor of Lyons.” The Waldensians continued to thrive despite being attacked by the Catholic
Originally, they were only condemned by the Bishop of Lyon, but later were also banned by Pope Lucius II. This happened earlier, under the Ad Abolendam ban in 1184. Most of their members felt betrayed by the Roman Catholic Church because their hard work with the poor and in simplified study of the Bible, had been ignored by the higher officials. The Waldensians did not agree with all seven of the Catholic sacraments and they totally rejected the idea of purgatory. They believed purgatory was an invention of the sixth century, and therefore there was nothing one could do after a person died. The Waldensians believed less in the hierarchical church and more in personal connection with God. The Holy Scripture was enough for a person to live a good life and any priests, bishops, etc. were superfluous. The group also decided that any blessings exercised by the Church had no significance. Their biggest difference from the Roman Catholic Church was that all Waldensian individuals refused to takes oaths of any kind, and believed taking oath was a sin, therefore they could not be recognized at any