Celebrations marking the 500th anniversary of John Calvin's birth are taking place in Geneva this week.

The Calvin500 conference has brought together some 500 Protestant scholars and leaders from around the world, including Ugandan Archbishop Henry Orombi.

It marks 500 years since the birth of the Protestant reformer John Calvin on July 10, 1509.

"Calvin is one of the most important thinkers in history," said Calvin500 Executive Director Rev David Hall, who also is pastor of Midway Presbyterian Church in America located in Powder Springs, Georgia.

"His ministry and writings left an indelible impression on the modern world, and especially Western culture.

"It would be hard to find a figure from history more worthy of remembering, if lasting impact for good is the standard."

Throughout the week, scholars and ministers will present lectures and sermons in these historic environs to celebrate the contributions of the Genevan reformer.

Three Lifetime Achievement Awards are being handed out in the course of the week to honour "exceptional scholarship and achievement".

They will go to Reformation scholar Robert Kingdon, Reformed liturgical scholar Hughes Oliphant Old, and Reformed pastor, Rev Geoffrey Thomas.