DOCFILM
The secrets of Opus Dei - Faith, power,
manipulation
For many critics, the arch-conservative Catholic
community Opus Dei is a diabolical sect. However, Opus Dei (which translates to
"Work of God”) sees itself in a very positive light. Even today, it’s very
difficult to look into the inner world of the sect.
https://www.dw.com/en/the-secrets-of-opus-dei-faith-power-manipulation/av-62292230
That's
because its 90,000 members worldwide have taken a vow of secrecy - and those
who have left report persecution if they break that vow. Meanwhile, Opus Dei is
working to become the most influential player in the Catholic Church. To this
end, it maintains a secret network - including branches in Germany.
It is no
coincidence that the German headquarters are located in Cologne - Germany‘s
most powerful Catholic archdiocese. In Germany, Opus Dei is focused on trying
to gain a foothold in the field of education, by running daycare centers and
schools.
The
examination of a daycare center in Munich shows that Opus Dei deliberately
conceals its involvement in these institutions. Another component of the
network is IESE, the business school of Opus Dei, which also has an offshoot in
Germany. It is considered one of the best schools of its kind in the world.
In Spain,
where Opus Dei originated, sect members are active in parts of the judicial and
educational sectors. The documentary tries to uncover these connections in both
Spain and Germany, and lets both victims and experts have their say. It also
includes an interview with the head of Opus Dei, Christoph Bockamp.
For the
first time, a former member from Germany reports on her ordeal in Opus Dei and
the harassment she experienced after she broke away from the sect. Spaniard
Carmen Charo developed mental health problems during her time in Opus Dei, due
to brainwashing and psychological pressure. Today, she helps others in their
journey out of Opus Dei.
Dietmar
Scharmitzer is trying to do the same thing with German-speaking people who want
to leave, and runs an Internet platform to help inform them. Finally, Marco
Politi, an author and Vatican expert from Rome, takes stock of the influence Opus
Dei has exerted since the time of Pope John Paul II.
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