It gained national importance after the Spanish civil war, gradually extending its influence over education, the press, and financial institutions, and receiving government support. In the 1950s and 60s it replaced the Falange as the most important conservative political and religious force in Spain, but its influence waned somewhat in the early 1970s. Since that time, in part due to support from the Vatican, the organization has grown to 80,000 members in over 80 countries. Its membership is now, therefore, considered a separate diocese with its own bishop. Lay members take no irrevocable religious vows but pledge to serve God in worldly vocations.
Membership includes government officials and professional, intellectual, and business elites.
The movement seeks to promote traditional Christian values and to suppress liberalism and immorality. Opus Dei has been controversial among Catholics because of its secretive nature, its emphasis on discipline, and its conservatism and wealth. The Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition. Click here to shop the Bartleby Bookstore .