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You report the views of John Roche that Opus Dei undermines family ties and disapproves of ordinary friendships. This is contradicted by the writings of its founder, Josemaria Escriv de Balaguer. It is also at odds with what I have experienced in my 20 or so years of membership.

Opus Dei respects people's freedom to choose their own level of involvement. Many more people participate in its spiritual activities than become members. Membership does involve a commitment to seek to further the aims of the organisation, which are spiritual. That said, the decision to join is free and so is the decision to remain a member.

Michael Lower
University of Manchester