…and The Passion of the Christ

First, Bishop McGrath of San Jose

While the primary source material of the film is attributed to the four gospels, these sacred books are not historical accounts of the historical events that they narrate. They are theological reflections upon the events that form the core of Christian faith and belief…….

In solidarity with Pope John Paul II, who asked for forgiveness during his pilgrimage to Jerusalem in 2000, I apologize to all my brothers and sisters of any faith tradition which has felt prejudice. Let us not allow the mutual respect that has developed to be threatened by an unenlightened reflection on an artistic rendering of the events of 2,000 years ago. Remember, it is just a movie.

As we enter the season of Lent next Wednesday, Catholics and Christians are called to repentance. I call upon Catholics and all Christians in this Valley to renew the ties that bind us to our Jewish brothers and sisters, the first of God’s Chosen People.

Archbishop Donoghue of Atlanta

“I believe that all people should see this film. And as your bishop, I would urge all Catholics of the Archdiocese of Atlanta to see this film. But do not expect to view it objectively or without being changed. It will not leave you the same person you were before – you will never again not be able to picture the scope of our Lord’s suffering, and the terrible price He paid in order to save us.”

The reader who sent it adds:

This was in the diocesan paper and website. In addition, he sent all pastors in the diocese a detailed packet developed by the Chancery staff, encouraging homilies, bulletin and pulpit announcements, posters, and a promotional DVD. The diocese is offering training workshops for lay leaders with an evangelization series and study group suggestions, along with booklets and a half-dozen weblinks ( www.passionatlanta.com, which doesn’t seem to be up yet, and they’re doing it all in cooperation with www.catholicexchange.com ).