I was amazed, because membership in this organization is not normally disclosed without reason. I was disturbed, because of what Goodden did not say about the organization. Many Catholics are most uncomfortable with the philosophy, aims and operational methods of Opus Dei and believe these are incompatible with our post-Vatican II church.
The Way, a book written by Opus Dei founder Father De Balaguer, includes 999 paragraphs that contain some biblical quotes, the writer's interpretation of these, together with his personal ideas and ideology. They have, in my opinion, little to do with scriptures or with God. Father de Balaguer grew up in and was a supporter of Franco's fascist regime in Spain. Critics within the church believe this had considerable influence on the development of his ideology. De Balaguer's book ignores subjects such as religious freedom as clearly defined in the Vatican II document Dignitatis Humanae. Ecumenism and tolerance for other religions do not appear to rate attention in his philosophy.
Goodden's column did not address:
- Secrecy. Goodden makes no reference to how he was recruited to Opus Dei. No
membership list is published and no financial statements of the organization's
reputed considerable assets are available. Pope John Paul II has stated that
"the church should have glass walls," a sentiment the Opus Dei does not appear
to follow.
- Dubious practices. If you are a Numerary Opus Dei member, you commit your
entire salary to the organization, submit all incoming and outgoing mail to your
director and practise various forms of corporal mortification. These include use
of the cilice, a spiked chain worn around the thigh, and use of the discipline,
a knotted rope for whipping. For most Catholics this would not assist in leading
"a fully Christian life."
- Human rights. Most distressing to me as a Christian is the record of prominent
Opus Dei clerical and lay members in co-existing and co-operating with military
dictatorships in Latin America. Opus Dei members were in Augusto Pinochet's
cabinet and had sufficient influence within Chile and the Vatican to silence
Archbishop Juan Da Silva of Santiago when he attempted to speak out against
government torture and murder of its citizens.
Even today, Opus Dei prelates bring dishonour to their church by their attitude to human rights. In Peru, Cardinal Luis Cipriani, Archbishop of Lima and a strong supporter of disgraced President Alberto Fujimori, has made several criticisms of human rights organizations and "meddlesome" international election observers during last year's election.
In El Salvador, Archbishop Ferando Lacalle accepted an honorary commission as a Brigadier General in an army that has one of the most brutal track records in recent history -- the same army responsible for the murder of Archbishop Oscar Romero. Promise Keepers and Opus Dei share a common approach to women -- in both organizations, they have secondary and certainly non-equal roles.
I am happy Goodden and the other almost 100,000 members who have found Opus Dei a means "to sanctify everyday life." Sadly, for the billion other Catholics who do not agree with them, their influence in the church far outweighs their numbers.
NOTES: Mike Pender is a retired professional engineer living in London. He is a member of St. Pius X parish and chairperson of the parish social justice committee.