Local Jewish leaders discuss the film 'The Passion of The Christ'

Wednesday, March 24th 2004, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

For weeks, we've been waiting to hear from our local Jewish and other religious leaders about their response to the controversial film "The Passion of The Christ". Now we know where they stand.

Members of the National Conference for Community and Justice and the Tulsa Metropolitan Ministries met behind closed doors for private interfaith dialog about the film.

Group members say they've spent the last six months educating movie-goers about the anti-Semitism they say the film suggests. The group also addressed a question many people have asked. Why has Mel Gibson's "Passion" been so much more controversial than past movies with similar themes?

Dennis Smith, Phillips Theological Center New Testament Professor: "He's upped the ante of the movie and a number of its defenders have upped the ante by claiming that it's closer to the historical account and not only is it not, but it goes overboard on things many of us think are contrary."

Not all members of the NCCJ feel the film suggests anti-Semitism. Group member and Catholic Priest Father Pat Gallus spoke in favor of the film last Friday at a Tulsa synagogue.