2012 was the 450th anniversary of the Belgic Confession. The Belgic was written by Guy (or Guido) de Bres (1522–67), a French-speaking Reformed from the southern Netherlands who was martyred for the gospel. He modeled the Belgic after the French (Gallic) Confession of 1559. Over the centuries it has become beloved by the Reformed churches with roots in the Dutch Reformation.

2013 will be the 450th anniversary of the Heidelberg Catechism, a summary of the faith written principally by Zacharias Ursinus (1534–83) with some assistance by Caspar Olevianus (1536–87). The Heidelberg was written at the direction of Frederick III (1515–76), the elector (prince) Palatinate.

The catechism has been used in churches and schools and was for centuries memorized by children as a pre-requisite for making profession of faith and coming to the Lord’s Table. The catechism has been translated into dozens of languages and has been used by millions of Christians as a summary of the faith. Received by the Synod of Dort (1619) both the Confession and the Catechism have been in use by the Reformed Churches since.

On the occasion of their anniversaries the conference (January 18–19, 2013) on the campus of Westminster Seminary California will consider the importance of these two documents under the rubric suggested by Ephesians 6. The schedule and registration info is below.

As always, the conference begins on a Friday night and concludes saturday afternoon. January weather  in Escondido is usually beautiful. Registration for this conference usually fills quickly so register early to avoid missing out.

• Plenary I: “The Belt of Truth: Confession and Clarity” (Eph. 6:17) –David VanDrunen
• Plenary II: “The Shield of Faith: Why the Belgic Confession?” (Eph. 6:16) –W. Robert Godfrey
• Plenary III: “The Helmet of Salvation: Confession and Comfort” (Eph. 6:17) –S. M. Baugh
• Plenary IV: “Feet Shod in the Gospel of Peace: Why the Heidelberg Catechism?” (Eph. 6:15) –R. Scott Clark
• Plenary V: “The Sword of the Spirit: Confession and Confrontation” (Eph. 6:17) –J. V. Fesko
• Plenary VI: “Be Strong in the Lord: Confession and Commitment” (Eph. 6:10) –W. Robert Godfrey
• Questions & Answers –Faculty Panel

Audio and video downloads will be available after the conference. Visit the conference site to listen or watch each session. Early bird registration ends December 1, 2012.