NSW: Church leaders look to Passion film

AAP General News (Australia)
04-08-2004
NSW: Church leaders look to Passion film

Sydney's church leaders say MEL GIBSON'S portrayal of JESUS' crucifixion in his film
The Passion of the Christ reinforces the Easter message of hope in the face of cruelty.

Catholic, Anglican and Uniting church heads have referred to the film's graphic images
and to recent global terror attacks in their Easter messages.

Sydney Catholic Archbishop Cardinal George Pell says GIBSON'S movie gives Christians
a clearer vision of what Easter's about, and it's stirred discussion amongst non-churchgoers.

Sydney Anglican Archbishop PETER JENSEN says the spate of recent terrorist attacks
around the world are a reminder for Christians of the cruelty that JESUS faced at his
crucifixion.

New South Wales Uniting Church moderator ALISTAIR CHRISTIE says JESUS didn't try to
evade suffering, but showed that God is with people during the most testing times.

AAP RTV sh/sd/mj/rt

KEYWORD: EASTER CHURCHES (SYDNEY)

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