The Waldensian Church constitutes a small minority in a Catholic country. In its history, it has experienced first persecution, then marginalization, and finally discrimination at the hands of the majority Roman Catholic Church. No wonder that when ecumenical dialogue began in the 1960s, it began with some hesitation.
No wonder that when ecumenical dialogue began in the 1960s, it began with some hesitation. However, since then, the development has been rapid. Every Waldensian or Methodist community is engaged in dialogue with a nearby Catholic community; pastors are often invited, in Catholic parishes, schools and other venues, to present the Protestant point of view; all professors of the Waldensian Faculty are regularly invited to teach courses at Catholic faculties; and, conversely, the Waldensian Faculty frequently hosts Catholic professors.
It should be noted, however, that due to the disproportion in numbers, this intense ecumenical activity engages all Waldensian pastors and communities, but only a small percentage of the Catholic population: Protestantism therefore, continues to be, in Italy, a very little-known form of Christianity.