Catholic group Opus Dei wants "references that hurt Catholics" to be removed from the film version of Dan Brown's hit novel The Da Vinci Code.

"The Da Vinci Code offers a deformed image of the Catholic Church," Opus Dei said in a statement released in Rome.

But the group added it would not call for a boycott of the highly anticipated film, due out in May.

The book portrays Opus Dei as a power-hungry movement bent on covering up the truth about Christ's bloodline.

The group did not say in its statement which references it wanted removed, but studio Sony insisted the movie was a work of fiction.

The film was "not a religious tract, and it is certainly not meant to criticise any group, religious or otherwise," said Jim Kennedy of Sony Pictures Entertainment.

Opus Dei said changes to the film would be appreciated by Catholics "particularly in these days in which everyone has noted the painful consequences of intolerance" - a reference to the violent protests sparked by the publication of cartoons satirising the Prophet Muhammad.

However, it said it would not urge boycotts, and would follow a "more constructive" path.

The novel, full of conspiracy theories in a thriller style, is about two code-breakers who try to track down the truth behind the Holy Grail. It has caught the imaginations of millions.

The Roman Catholic Church has said the book is pure fiction.

The film, starring Tom Hanks and Audrey Tautou, will premiere at the Cannes Film Festival in May.

Opus Dei was formed in 1928 in Madrid by the priest Josemaria Escriva de Balaguer. Its name means "the work of God".

The fundamental idea was to encourage Catholic lay people to see religion as something that should direct every minute of their lives, rather than being a matter of just turning up for Mass and confession.

Members are expected to live holy lives, evangelise people they know, and observe daily religious devotions.

Cof,Feb 17 2006, 05:46 AM

---

I made a point of not reading the book (everyone likes it, so it must be bad...), but the film trailer looks quite good.  Any idea when it is released?
[right][snapback]6854[/snapback][/right]

---

Due out in May.

I read the book, it was a fun book. But it's fiction. Both the book and the movie are optional activities. Translating a book to film is not easy. Read My Movie Business by John Irving.
I'm Catholic, I'm not offended. I have better things to do than be offended by this.

"I don't know about those Catholics. All that sitting.......and standing.......and kneeling............ It's like Simon Says without a winner!"
Marge Simspon

Well... the high school I went to was managed by the Opus Dei (And those were the most horrible years in my whole life!) so I can assure they ARE INDEED a medieval-esque power-hungry sect... And I can also assure they've always been reluctant to stop hiding the truth about themselves...

Indeed. Have you read the other books by Brown?