Search on for hymn to honour John Calvin

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 John Calvin.

The FSPC and WARC asked Christians twice last year to share their thoughts on the sound of Calvin.

Christians all around the world are being invited to enter their contributions for the festivities marking the 500th anniversary of Calvin into a hymn and sermon competition.

The two church bodies are looking for the official hymn of the "calvin09" festivities, which has to be suitable for learning quickly in various countries and singing in worship. It also has to stand in the Reformed tradition of hymns, which are based on biblical texts.

The FSPC and WARC said they were looking for "new and surprising perspectives on the importance of Calvin for today", 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 www.calvin90.org