Not fake. JUst not referring to this group of Baptists. It likely refers to the Donatists and was in a letter CL "Alberto Bavariae Duci".
Baptistic beliefs have existed throughout all times, even if you can not find a solid trail of "Baptist Churches" back to the original apostles. We weren't called Baptist for one. Second, you can't find today a non diversity of beliefs that you would call "Baptist" today. I mean what is Baptist? Do ALL Baptists believe in biblical inerrancy? Do ALL Baptists believe in conservative values? What about the American Baptists?
But, lest Catholics get on their high horse- despite the fact that there is a Catechism in the Catholic church- does every Catholic denomination believe the same?
History is written by what we have proof of. Much of history is lost because the people living it either couldn't write it down or wrote it on perishable items that weren't preserved. Still, there is a trail (not the famous Trail of Blood which I believe is historically flawed) of beliefs that today's conservative Baptists would gladly hold on to. The Waldenses are one group where Baptists could find many similarities. (particularly around the Reformation) as well as the Petrobrusians. You aren't going to find a one for one semblance there, but if I were to compare the doctrines of Catholicism in say 300 and compare them with today I would see something quite different as well.
Excellent post!
More Baptist History now at www.baptistbookshelf.com
Examples?
The Waldenses started out as schismatic Catholics. They believed in the seven sacraments, including transubstantiation and infant baptism. They also believed in the perpetual virginity of Mary and believed that faith without works is dead.