The Church Missionary Society (CMS) Ireland today announced a new mission initiative - mpower - that will bring 500 people from 12 different countries to Northern Ireland for a major two day conference in the Armagh City Hotel on 21-22 April 2005.

In welcoming the conference to Armagh, Archbishop Robin Eames, Church of Ireland Primate, said: "This is part of a creative new programme that will give parishes throughout Ireland the opportunity to explore their link relationships in new ways. The mpower initiative is just what Mission in the Church of Ireland needs at this time."

It is expected that 150 parishes throughout Ireland will have a chance to host a visitor from the overseas church for four days. Also around the conference between 15-26 April 2005 delegates will be meeting to build relationships and share ideas for future mission.

Canon Cecil Wilson, CMS Ireland Secretary, said: "As the world around us changes we need to keep developing our existing work and finding fresh ways to live out our missionary calling. The mpower programme gives us a chance to do just that - it's a forum not just to talk about mission but to do it, to be involved and to be empowered."

CMS Ireland is now consulting with parishes and organisations to establish an accurate picture of where mission partnerships stand today.

"During the next few months we will offer training and resources at local level to bring partner links alive," said Cecil Wilson. "The conference in Armagh will be the culmination of a wide range of activities."