(1610-74), French Protestant mystic and reformer, who founded the Labadists, a Pietist sect. Originally a Jesuit, he claimed a vision to reform the church. He left the order in 1639 and founded several communities dedicated to spiritual practices. He formally renounced the Roman Catholic church and joined the Reformed church in Montauban in 1650. Thereafter, he preached his Pietist ideas, first in Orange, France, later in Geneva and London.
Labadie's followers formed communities based on simple living and common ownership of property. They believed that the Bible could be understood only by the immediate inspiration of the Holy Spirit. After being excommunicated (1670) for unorthodox views, Labadie traveled with his followers first to Herford, Germany, and then to Altona, Germany, where he died. By 1730, the movement was dead, although settlements were in Maryland and New York.
