1. Peter Waldo
Abandon

2. Brief introduction The founder of Weldensians
Specific details of his life are largely unknown
Wealthy merchant from Lyons

3. The convention of Peter Waldo
Heard a sermon on the life of St. Alexius
The sudden and unexpected death of a friend during an evening meal
“thou wilt be perfect, go and sell all that thou hast”
Living a radical Christian life giving his property over to his wife, while the remainder of his belongings he distributed as alms to the poor.

4. Life and work Began to preach and teach publicly
By 1170 , he had gather a large number of followers who were referred to as the Poor of Lyons
In 1179 , Waldo and a disciple went to Rome to seek papal approval of their work but failed
In 1184 , Waldo was excommunicated by Pope Lucius III
By 1215 , the Waldensians were declared heretical

5. Waldensians Preached poverty as the way to perfection
Believed in the Bible and Christianity
Denied the authority of Christian church
Laity had the rights to spread the gospel