Faith, power, manipulation - The secrets of the Opus
Dei sect | DW Documentary
Jun 30, 2022 #dwdocumentary #documentary
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.
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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