(Escondido, California) - Westminster Seminary California (WSC) has joined Calvin500.org as an official sponsor for the 2009 Calvin Quincentenary, a celebration of the life and work of the Genevan reformer which will culminate with conferences in Europe and America in 2009. Under the leadership of WSC President Dr. W. Robert Godfrey, the Seminary recently conveyed a gift to Calvin 500. Dr. Godfrey will serve on the Presidential Council to implement details of the international commemoration.

In addition to the sponsorship, the WSC faculty will be widely represented in the celebration. Contributing chapters to a forthcoming Handbook on Calvin’s Institutes are Drs. Michael S. Horton and W. Robert Godfrey. In addition, Dr. Hywel R. Jones and Dr. R. Scott Clark will participate in the 2009 conferences in Geneva

Calvin 500 Executive Director David W. Hall applauded “the visionary cooperation for this project by Dr. Godfrey and the faculty. Bob and the WSC faculty were among the first that I attempted to recruit as advisors and leaders. We are most pleased to have WSC join an elite group of sponsors to serve as a supporter for this event, which will certainly be the premier international celebration of Calvinism in our generation.”

The Calvin Quincentenary is an international, interdenominational, and interdisciplinary commemoration of the life and work of John Calvin (b. 1509), who left such an indelible impression on the modern world. This celebration combines history, spirituality, and culture to recall appropriately the life and work of Calvin. Esteemed leaders, scholars, and ministers will serve as popular guides to acquaint many with this influential man, his vibrant city, and the cultural, religious, political, and economic impact flowing from a movement. This multi-faceted approach seeks to introduce many people to one of the most important thinkers in history. It will culminate with July 2009 conferences occurring in Calvin’s historic church, St. Pierre Cathedral in Geneva.

Please visit Calvin500.org or WSC News and Events often for updates.