When talking about the first people who were known to believe or do something considered heretical, which verb do we use with the word heresy? I want the verb for the 'invention' of the heresy - not a person who just follows it.
For example: 'They (past verb) this heresy in the second century.'
"espouse" might be the verb you're looking for. - A person espouses a heresy.
"espouse" - to make one's own; adopt or embrace, as a cause.
"Those who espouse the “heresy of Luther,” are legitimate only if they are graced by God"
".....they espouse the heresy that it is the president who knows best"
"The founder or leader of a heretical movement is called a heresiarch, while individuals who espouse heresy or commit heresy, are known as heretics." Societies, Network and Transitions
EDIT
You could say that "According to the Holy See, Martin Luther conceived, established and disseminated that heresy (the protestant reformation) in the sixteenth century.
They promulgated this heresy in the second century.
From Merriam-Webster:
Synonym Discussion of Promulgate
Declare, announce, proclaim, promulgate mean to make known publicly. Declare implies explicitness and usually formality in making known . Announce implies the declaration of something for the first time . Proclaim implies declaring clearly, forcefully, and authoritatively . Promulgate implies the proclaiming of a dogma, doctrine, or law .
