The Waldenses, who had withdrawn into Alpine valleys in northern Italy after the burning of eighty of their number at Strasbourg in 1211, have continued to lead a marginal existence.

When the news of the Reformation reached the Waldensian Valleys, the Tavola Valdese decided to seek fellowship with the nascent Protestantism.

A meeting held in 1526 in Laus, a town in the Chisone valley, and decided to send envoys to examine the new movement.

In 1532 they met with German and Swiss Protestants and ultimately adapted their beliefs to those of the Reformed Church.

The Swiss and French Reformed churches had sent William Farel and Anthony Saunier to attend the meeting of Chanforan, which convened on October 12, 1532.

Farel had invited them to join the Reformation and to emerge from secrecy.

A Confession of Faith, with Reformed doctrines, is formulated and the Waldensians decide to worship openly in French.