Response to comments by Seymour Hersh

This statement was released by the communications office of Opus Dei in New York in response to press reports about a speech given by journalist Seymour Hersh.

 In a speech given last month, journalist Seymour Hersh reportedly claimed that General Stanley McChrystal is a "member or supporter" of the Knights of Malta, that many military leaders see themselves as engaged in a “crusade” against Islam, and that “many of them are members of Opus Dei.”

Mr. Hersh’s remarks have struck many observers, including people in Opus Dei, as rather puzzling. For the record, General Stanley McChrystal is not a member of Opus Dei, and he has stated that he does not belong to the Knights of Malta.

 Furthermore, neither Opus Dei nor the Catholic Church supports a crusade against anyone. The Catholic Church has repeatedly called upon Christians, Muslims and people of all faiths to work together for justice and peace.