The Special Assembly of the Synod of Bishops for Oceania: 22 November - 12 December 1998

The Oceania Synod was the shortest in duration, the smallest in terms of numbers, and the most inclusive in the sense that all Oceania's active bishops were present, was supported by the Consistory, and accepted by the Holy Father. Pope John Paul II accepted the pre-Synodal Council's recommendation that the Curial members be reduced from the normal twenty-three fourteen. Synod confirmed Oceania's identity as a region in its own right and it served to indicate some of the gifts the local Churches of Oceania have to offer.