March 4, 2008

The Federation of Swiss Protestant Churches (FSPC) and the World Alliance of Reformed Churches (WARC) are looking for a hymn and a sermon for the festivities marking the 500th anniversary of the Reformer Jean Calvin. Contributions can be sent in up to 1 April.

How does Calvin sound? The Federation of Swiss Protestant Churches and the World Alliance of Reformed Churches put this question twice last year. With a hymn competition and a sermon competition interested parties from all the world are invited to send contributions for the festivities marking the 500th anniversary of the Reformer Jean Calvin.

The hymn competition is looking for the official hymn of the "calvin09" festivities, The hymn has to be able to be learned quickly in various countries and sung in worship. At the same time it has to stand in the Reformed tradition of hymns, which are based on biblical texts.

New and surprising perspectives on the importance of Calvin for today are being looked for. These are to be supplied in the form of a sermon. The most convincing contributions will be included in the preparations for the official Eurovision televised worship which is planned for Pentecost 2009 in the Cathedral St Pierre in Geneva. The theme for the sermon is "The Freedom of God and Human Freedom."

The final date for entries to the two competitions is 1 April 2008. The prizes will be trips to Geneva or to another city in Europe lasting several days. Further information and conditions for entry can be downloaded at http://www.calvin90.org/.

World Alliance of Reformed Churches