Bishops endorse Mel Gibson film

Church leaders in the predominantly Roman Catholic Philippines say they are endorsing the Mel Gibson film "The Passion of the Christ", dismissing criticism that it was anti-Semitic.

The controversial and violently graphic film, which depicts the last hours of Jesus Christ, was screened for the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) late Monday ahead of its public showing here.

Manila Archbishop Gaudencio Rosales told reporters he believed Gibson intended to raise awareness about growing violence all over the world.

"I think I would recommend it to every Filipino to see it who believes in goodness and accepts the reality of evil," Rosales said.

"You know evil is around and I think that what they say about the anti-Semitism thing is I think it’s only some people who wanted to raise an issue because after all our Lord is Himself."

The film has come in for strong criticism for reviving age-old allegations by Christians that the Jews were responsible for the death of Christ, who Christians say is the Son of God.

One of Israel’s two leading rabbis called late last month for a boycott of the film, which he said was untrue, deliberately violent and encouraged people to hate Jews, who were portrayed as responsible for the crucifixion of Christ.

CBCP president Fernando Capalla, the archbishop of the southern city of Davao, said the movie "brings you back to the essence of our faith that makes you look at yourself... that our sins really is the reason for the pain and suffering of Jesus."

He said the film was a must-see not only for Catholics but also for Muslims, who comprise a large minority in the rebellion-torn southern Philippines.

"The timing is just right for Lent and when Holy Week comes it’s the ideal subject for meditation," said Fr. James Reuter, spokesman for the Apostolic Nunciature, the Vatican mission in the Philippines.

"It’s also an ideal picture for the Philippines because the Philippines is very Catholic and deeply conscious of sin and very willing to accept Christ our Lord," Reuter added. — AFP, Jose Aravilla