FRANK AND HONEST SYNOD 
Final Press Conference of Bishops From Oceania

VATICAN CITY, DEC 11 -- "Every Synod has its own characteristics, and this one is noteworthy for the frank and honest discussions, free of controversies, in search of a common answer, especially at the pastoral level." These were the words Australian Cardinal Edward Cassidy, president of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity, chose to describe the atmosphere of the Special Assembly for Oceania at the closing press conference today.

After presenting the final message of the participants of the Synod, Bishop Barry James Hickey of Perth, Australia, disclosed the conclusions of this ecclesial summit. "The Synod has ended with a list of 48 proposals reserved for the Holy Father. They touch upon the numerous topics addressed during these days. Among other things, we have spoken about inculturation of the liturgy, about Catholic schools, about the problem of sexual abuse and the role of women. But the most important topic has been evangelization and new evangelization, especially in those countries facing great secularization."

In regard to the lack of vocations, Bishop Hickey said, "it has been a much discussed topic and, after detailed analysis, some suggestions have been made which are reflected in the proposals." Cardinal Cassidy added that "many communities do not have priests and, frequently, they are so small that they cannot have one." Consequently, the problem of taking the Eucharist to these areas was of much concern. Some regions are 1,600 kilometers away. "It is a very big problem, and there are no easy solutions."

Cardinal Cassidy confirmed "growth in the role of woman in the Church was another much discussed topic." And Bishop Hickey said, in regard to indigenous minorities, "a proposal has been made to create a special ministry for the aborigines, but this idea does not appear in the final conclusions, notwithstanding the fact that the problem of the aboriginal peoples and their rights has been extensively analyzed." The question of the environment was not neglected. Cardinal Cassidy observed, "the Pacific Ocean represents one third of all the water resources of the world and if this water is contaminated, a negative effect will be felt throughout the world."

Bishop Hickey spoke about the relations of local Churches with the Roman Curia, "a much talked about topic which appears in the final proposals, as we feel we are very far and have need for greater cooperation and collaboration with the Roman Curia. It is important to have more frequent communications."

All the clergy who took part in the press conference emphasized the atmosphere of friendship which pervaded the Synod. Archbishop Karl Hesse of Rabaul, Papua New Guinea, said "it has been an extraordinary occasion, we were all there and everyone's voice counted. We are very grateful to the Church and to the Holy Father for giving us this opportunity."