We were saddened to hear Margaret and Sheila speak again about painful experiences from over 30 years ago which still impact them today. We are sorry that aspects of their time in Opus Dei have caused this suffering. Any person who feels hurt or misunderstood deserves to be listened to with respect.

At the same time, we are concerned that the Daily Mail video contains a number of serious inaccuracies and misleading assertions about Opus Dei and the life of its members. It is regrettable that the journalist did not make more effort to ascertain this beforehand in spite of our offer to speak with her.

Opus Dei is not secretive nor is it a “sect”. It is a fully approved organisation of the Catholic Church, much loved by all Popes since it was founded almost a century ago. Its activities, centres and apostolic initiatives are public and open. Millions of people around the world have participated in its educational, spiritual and charitable activities, and information about its life and mission is readily available.

The video gives a misleading account of the sisters’ relationship with Opus Dei from childhood onwards. Participation in activities for children and young people is not the same as becoming a member. Like many others, Margaret and Sheila attended activities when they were young. Any decision to seek admission to Opus Dei would have come years later, when they were old enough to make a personal and voluntary commitment.

We were particularly disappointed by the way the video speaks about the sisters’ mother. To suggest that her role was simply to “breed” children for Opus Dei is both wrong and highly disrespectful. Motherhood is a profound vocation, and reducing a woman’s life and dignity to such language does a disservice to her and to the many mothers who generously devote themselves to their families.

The video further alleges that assistant numeraries worked as unpaid “slaves”, carrying out gruelling ten-hour days, seven days a week. This characterisation is false and defamatory. Assistant numeraries carry out professional work and receive remuneration for their work. Like many people in those years including those employed in hospitality and domestic services, they worked hard, but the video does not reflect the reality of their lives. Others who lived and worked with them paint a very different picture which is much more joyful and fulfilling and includes times of rest and fun and other activities.

Opus Dei has acknowledged on previous occasions that practices and customs have evolved over time, and it is possible that mistakes were made in particular places or circumstances. Where individuals feel that they were not treated appropriately, we regret that deeply. Such experiences should not be dismissed. To this end, listening and healing protocols have been set up and made available, aimed at acknowledging any negative experiences that may have occurred, asking for forgiveness and making amends where appropriate.

However, it is simply untrue to suggest, as the video does, that Opus Dei subjects “young girls” around the world to the treatment described. This sweeping accusation bears no resemblance to the reality of Opus Dei, whose mission is to help ordinary men and women seek holiness through their work, family life and service to others.

In particular, assistant numeraries are competent adult women who freely choose their vocation in Opus Dei and who make an important contribution through their professional work and their care for others. They receive professional formation, enjoy the same civil and employment rights as other citizens, maintain relationships with their families, and participate fully in the life and mission of Opus Dei. Their work, often carried out in the field of domestic administration, is recognised as a valuable professional service that contributes to creating a family atmosphere in centres and apostolic activities.

We remain committed to listening respectfully to those who have had difficult experiences, while also correcting misinformation when it appears. Public discussion of these matters is important, but it should be based on facts, fairness and respect for all those involved.