We are sorry that the Daily Mail felt they had to conduct a "secret investigation" into Opus Dei centres coming in under false pretences. Opus Dei centres are open to anyone. Visitors can ask any questions they want, and they will always be treated with respect and given any information they require.

Opus Dei is a fully approved organisation of the Catholic Church which upholds all Catholic doctrines as contained in the Catechism of the Catholic Church. It is inaccurate to use the words ‘sect” or ‘cult’.

The basis of the spirit of Opus Dei is to live in full freedom knowing that God is a loving father who cares deeply for each one of us and all the things that we do. Members are never restricted in what they do, where they go, what they watch or who they associate with. Opus Dei teaches people that they can love God and serve others through work well done carried out with honesty and integrity.

People who feel called by God to do so can ask to join Opus Dei and the process takes several years to complete to ensure it is the right decision for the person. Those who wish to leave can do so at any stage, and it is very easy and quick to do so.

The Daily Mail accuse Opus Dei of “operating in the shadows” but this is precisely what the Daily Mail have done in this “investigation”. The resulting picture is either false or misleading, with many things taken out of context to make them seem the opposite of what they really are.

We encourage anyone who would like to know more to come to Lakefield or Ashwell House or to contact the Opus Dei Information Office and check the truth for themselves.