Essays invited for Lombard Prize

The World Communion of Reformed Churches (WCRC), in association with Lombard, Odier & Cie, Bankers of Geneva, Switzerland, invite young people to participate in the WCRC Youth Network’s call for essays.

The focus of theological education on ministerial formation, rather than ecumenical formation, has resulted in narrow denominational and ecclesial visions that have moved away from an ecumenical commitment, particularly an ecumenical vision that is committed to learn from the margins.

Thus, the theme for the essays—Ecumenism from the Margins: Confessing a God of life in a world fallen among thieves—is meant to elicit the thinking of young people and generate a discussion on how a future ecumenism can be conceived. It asks young theologians to engage with the processes and programmes of the WCRC, particularly the “COVID and Beyond” discernment process.

Essays written in English of between 5,000 and 6,000 words are due by 15 December 2021. The top two essays—as judged by a panel of eminent international theologians from the editorial board of Reformed World and young people—will receive both cash awards (of 600 and 300 euros respectively) and scholarships to the next Global Institute of Theology, planned for 2022. These two essays, as well as select others, will be published in a special edition of Reformed World.

Format and rules:

• The essay will illustrate a familiarity with the Reformed tradition, theology, and ecumenism and demonstrate a grasp of the theme and work of the WCRC.
• The essay will be written in English.
• The length of the essay will be between 5,000 and 6,000 words.
• The essay will be submitted electronically in Word format to: reformed.world@wcrc.eu
• The essay will be accompanied by a statement from the author declaring that she/he is the author of the paper.
• The essay will be accompanied by notes and a bibliography which clearly indicate sources quoted in the paper.
• Submissions are open to theological students or pastors 35 years of age or younger.
• The essay will be submitted no later than 15 December 2021.

The WCRC, in association with Lombard, Odier & Cie, offers a prize for a theological essay in memory of the late Georges Lombard, associate of the bank. The aim is to encourage theological work in the tradition of Reformed thought that responds to challenges of our time, bringing together elements of faith and theology in dialogue with justice and peace issues and mission in the world—all central themes of Reformed witness.