RR a group of people with their own particular set of beliefs and practices, especially within or separated from a larger religious group sect a religious group that is part of a larger religious group but has slightly different beliefs, for example a Buddhist sect cult an extreme religious group that is not part of an established religion faith community a group of people living in the same area, who have a particular religion
Opus Dei
Roman Catholic organization in full Prelature of the Holy Cross and Opus Dei (Latin: “Work of God”)
Main
Roman Catholic lay and clerical organization whose members seek personal Christian perfection and strive to implement Christian ideals and values in their occupations and in society as a whole. Theologically conservative, Opus Dei accepts the teaching authority of the church without question and has long been the subject of controversy; it has been accused of secrecy, cultlike practices, and political ambitions. With separate branches for men and women, the organization has been headed since 1982 by a prelate elected by its members. Priests constitute only a tiny percentage of the organization, numbering some 1,900 of the 85,000 members worldwide.
“Opus Dei.” Encyclopædia Britannica. 2009. Encyclopædia Britannica Online. 14 Jun. 2009 <http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/430637/Opus-Dei>.
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Opus Dei - Student Encyclopedia (Ages 11 and up)
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(Latin, “work of God”), religious organization. Founded in Spain in 1928 by Jose Maria Escriva de Balaguer y Albas, Opus Dei is a worldwide organization of the Roman Catholic church. A politically and religiously conservative organization, Opus Dei emphasizes church discipline and tradition in ordinary life, especially through one’s work. There are about 77,000 members worldwide-lay people of all classes and social conditions. Although members dedicate their lives to God, they retain the freedom and responsibility of their worldly lives. About 1,500 priests provide spiritual guidance to the membership. The organization operates educational institutions, student residences, youth clubs and hostels, training centers, and clinics. In 1982 it was placed under the pope’s personal direction with the full title Prelature of the Holy Cross and Opus Dei. It thus occupies a unique position in the church hierarchy as the first personal prelature. Escriva was beatified by Pope John Paul II in 1992.
