Women in Opus Dei
Women form 57% of the membership of the Opus Dei prelature.[1] The role of women in Opus Dei has sometimes been a source of criticism for the organization.[2]
Segregation of men and women
Some of these gender-related criticisms have been directed specifically towards Opus Dei. Unmarried male and female
Escriva's teachings on women
Members emphasize that the
Men and women regarded as equals
Opus Dei and its supporters reject any suggestion their policies are inappropriate. While they admit women are sometimes treated differently than men within Opus Dei, supporters emphasize that men and women are nonetheless regarded as equals. A spokesman has said the Opus Dei is committed to the "equal dignity of men and women." In the opinion of one member, women should not enter the workforce as "one more" but as a "different one," given that "the only ontological difference among human beings is determined by the sexes," and that care for the family and the home are "eminently feminine."[6] Supporters say that Opus Dei, with its emphasis on work, is a strong advocate of women becoming professionals—according to one scholar, "Opus Dei has an enviable record of educating the poor and supporting women, whether single or married, in any occupation they choose."[7]
Women in the governance of Opus Dei
Supporters also point out that women participate in the governance of Opus Dei—for example, the Central Advisory, which oversees the women's branch of Opus Dei, is made up entirely of women. Thus, John Allen reports that half of the leadership positions in Opus Dei are held by women, and they supervise men.[8]
Similar criticisms directed at Catholicism as a whole
Many of these criticisms are directed not just at
Traditionalist approach to women
Many critics of such policies have therefore opposed Opus Dei, as in the case of one author who views Opus Dei "as one of the most reactionary organizations in the
References
- ^ Vecchi, Gian Guido (24 January 2017). "Monsignor Fernando Ocáriz è il nuovo Prelato dell'Opus Dei". corriere.it. Retrieved 12 April 2018.
- ^ "The women of Opus Dei". indiancatholic.in. Retrieved 12 April 2018.
- ^ "Justina and David: As members of Opus Dei, the McCaffreys seek perfection -- even in their wedding dresses". ottawacitizen.com. Retrieved 12 April 2018.
- ^ "Opus Dei - Saint Josemaría". www.josemariaescriva.info. Retrieved 12 April 2018.
- ^ "News - The Scotsman". news.scotsman.com. Retrieved 12 April 2018.
- ^ Marta Brancatisano, a supernumerary, cited by Allen
- ^ "Women of Opus Dei Explain "True Feminism"". religiondispatches.org. 8 August 2009. Retrieved 12 April 2018.
- ^ Julia Baird (2006-05-18). "Tall tale ignites an overdue debate". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 2007-04-04.
- ^ "Page Not Found". cathnewsusa.com. Retrieved 12 April 2018.
{{cite web}}
: Cite uses generic title (help) - ^ Urquhart, Gordon (1997). "Opus Dei: The Pope's Right Arm in Europe". Conservative Catholic Influence in Europe an Investigative Series. Catholics for a Free Choice. Retrieved 2006-05-16..
- ^ "Opus Dei and women". opusdei.org. Retrieved 12 April 2018.
Bibliography
Women of Opus Dei: In Their Own Words by MT Oates, Linda Ruf and Jane Driver, MD