Edict of Emancipation - 1848

Edict of Emancipation - 1848. . In 1844, King Charles Albert I, King of Piedmont and Sardinia, made a visit to Torre Pellice, that had a lasting effect on him. Though still heavily oppressed, the Waldensians received the king so well that the following year he presented the town with a fountain inscribed with these words: "The King Charles Albert to the people who received him with so much affection." Apparently this was one of the few times in history when a king has honored his people in such a manner. Usually the people honor their leaders by dedicating building and statues and fountain to them, not vice-versa., But the real tribute to their kindness came four years later. On February 17, 1848, King Charles Albert signed an Edict of Emancipation granting Waldensians the same political and legal rights as other citizens. While the Edict was not a declaration of religious liberty, it did allow Waldensians to organize congregations and conduct evangelistic and educational activities outside their Valleys., For Waldensians, the Edict of Emancipation on February 17th of the year 1848 is as significant an event in their history as the Fourth of July is to Americans., Emancipation Proclamation , (Plaque) This is a condensed version of the February 17, 1848 Edict of Emancipation , The Waldenses are admitted to the enjoyment of all the civil and political rights of our other subjects and freely to attend our schools, both within and without the university and to obtain academic degrees. No change, however, is made as to the exercise of their worship and their own schools., Carlo Alberto , King of Sardina , Duke of Savoy