The official opening of new premises for Church Mission Society Ireland in Belfast by the Archbishop of Armagh last week signals the launch of a new phase in the organisation's missionary work, says the Church of Ireland.

Speaking at the opening of CMS Ireland House, Archbishop Alan Harper, paid tribute to the work of the Society, saying: "CMS Ireland's new vision has been galvanised by the move into new premises and the society will play a vital role in enabling the Church in the 21st century to look in and look out.

"CMS Ireland is integral to the life of the Church in Ireland and the move is a huge encouragement."

The new building on Dargan Road will play an important role as the society
embarks on a bold new strategy for the next five years, said the Church of Ireland. The Archbishop assured the staff and directors of CMS that "the whole of the Church will
be praying for you".

CMS Ireland's new Director of Mission, Ian Smith, said this was a "day of looking forward" and that in the future he hoped that "CMS Ireland would continue to be a blessing to the nations." He emphasized that at its core, CMS Ireland was a "mission agency - not just an aid or development agency" and that meant taking the message of Jesus seriously - in word and deed.

Guests at the opening included the Rt Rev Alan Abernethy, Bishop of Connor, the Very Rev Houston McKelvey, Dean of Belfast, and UTV presenter Paul Clark - all long-standing supporters of the work of CMS Ireland.

Speaking after the ceremony, Ian Smith noted: "September 2007 is an important
month in the life of CMS Ireland. In many ways it signifies a new beginning
in our work with the Church in Ireland and our partners around the world.

"The upcoming 'mbrace' event at the end of the month will explore that in more
detail but today is a tremendously significant step for us."

For more information on the work of CMS Ireland please visit www.cmsireland.org