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RPTS SPONSORS 2009 QUINCENTENARY CELEBRATION OF JOHN CALVIN'S BIRTH ENTITLED CALVIN 500

(Pittsburgh) - March 22, 2007 - Calvin500.org announces that the Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary (RPTS) has joined on as an official sponsor of the organization's 2009 Quincentenary celebration of the birth of Protestant reformer John Calvin, which will culminate in multiple conferences in Europe and the U.S. during that year.

Under the leadership of President Dr. Jerry O'Neill, RPTS - which will celebrate its own bicentennial the following year - recently conveyed a gift to Calvin500 to support the event. Dr. O'Neill also will serve on the Calvin500 Presidential Council to implement details of the international commemoration.

Calvin500 Executive Director David W. Hall applauded "the visionary cooperation for this project by Dr. O'Neill and his staff. We are most pleased to have RPTS join to serve as a supporting sponsor for this event, which will certainly be the premier international celebration of Calvinism in our generation."

RPTS professor of systematic theology, Dr. Richard Gamble, will contribute to the forthcoming Handbook for Calvin's Institutes, one publication of a multi-volume commemorative series to be produced by Calvin500. Gamble is a Calvin scholar and past president of the Calvin Studies Society.

The CALVIN QUINCENTENARY is an international, interdenominational, and interdisciplinary commemoration of the life and work of John Calvin, who was born in 1509 and whose ministry and writings left an indelible impression on the modern world. Culminating with conferences in multiple locations in 2009, this celebration combines history, spirituality, and culture to recall appropriately the life and work of the Genevan Reformer.

Esteemed leaders, scholars, and ministers will serve as popular guides to acquaint participants with this influential man, his vibrant city, and the cultural, religious, political, and economic impact flowing from the movement he helped lead. The event is a multi-faceted approach seeking to introduce many people to John Calvin who, according to Calvin500, is one of the most important thinkers in history. It will culminate with July 2009 conferences in Calvin's historic church, St. Pierre Cathedral in Geneva.

Those interested in joining RPTS staff and friends on a trip to the 2009 conferences in Geneva should call Grant Van Leuven at 412-731-8690 to be put on the list of people to receive forthcoming plans, or email him at gvanleuven@rpts.edu.

For more general information on this event, visit www.Calvin500.org.

Founded in 1810, The Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary (RPTS) is the fifth oldest seminary in the nation, and will celebrate its 200th anniversary in 2010. It offers a conservative, classic Reformed theological education for students coming from the Pittsburgh area and around the world to study the Bible and prepare for the pastorate. Fully accredited, RPTS grants degrees in Master of Divinity and Master of Theological Studies; it also offers programs for a Diploma in Theology, a Training in Ministry Certificate, and a Missionary training Certificate. In addition, it plans to offer a Doctor of Ministry degree in the near future.

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