The ADL has issued an online guide, Things Teens Should Know about Mel Gibson’s “The Passion of the Christ.”  Most of it is fair enough, but not when it comes to the issue of whether the film accurately reflects Church teachings.  Of the Gibson movie, the guide says, “His film does not adhere to these [Vatican II’s] guidelines.”

Catholic League president William Donohue disagrees:

“The ADL has failed in a) altering the movie’s script b) getting the Vatican to denounce the movie c) getting the U.S. bishops to denounce the film, and d) getting a postscript.  Now it is instructing the public that ‘The Passion of the Christ’ contravenes Church teachings.  We’re getting used to the chutzpah, but the ADL’s latest salvo deserves an answer.

“The movie has been heralded by such Catholic heavyweights as Pope John Paul II (yes, he did say, ‘It is as it was’); Cardinal Dario Castrillón Hoyos, Prefect of the Congregation for Clergy; Most Reverend John Foley, President of the Pontifical Council for Social Communications; Reverend Augustine Di Noia, Undersecretary of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith; Cardinal Francis George, Archbishop of Chicago; Cardinal George Pell, Archbishop of Sydney, Australia; Most Reverend Charles Chaput, Archbishop of Denver; Most Reverend John Donoghue, Archbishop of Atlanta; Reverend Richard John Neuhaus, Editor-in-Chief, First Things; Reverend Thomas Rosica, CEO, Salt and Light Catholic Media Foundation; and theologian Michael Novak.

“According to the ADL, all these authorities are wrong.  Do those at the ADL really think anyone will believe them?

“Finally, let’s put one thing to rest: 1965 was not the first time the Catholic Church condemned collective guilt of the Jews for the death of Christ.  Indeed, the Catechismthat the ADL so likes on this subject quotes a passage from the Council of Trent that also condemns collective guilt.  And it was written in the mid-1500s!”

The following letter by Catholic League president William Donohue was sent to New York Police Commissioner Raymond W. Kelly:

March 2, 2004

Commissioner Raymond W. Kelly

1 Police Plaza

New York, New York 10038

Dear Commissioner Kelly:

There is a story in the March 2 edition of the New York Post claiming that Hate Crimes Unit supervisor Dennis Blackman ordered 20 detectives to see “The Passion of the Christ” when it opened last week; some watched the movie during working hours.

Accordingly, I would like to know the answer to the following questions: a) Is it common practice for detectives of the NYPD to watch movies during working hours? b) What prompted the request? c) What criteria are used to assess whether this is a useful function for the police to provide? d) What is the purpose of such an exercise? e) What exactly would the police be empowered to do if they determined the film constituted hate speech?

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

William A. Donohue, Ph.D.

President

The Catholic League’s 2003 Report on Anti-Catholicism is now available. It covers all the major anti-Catholic incidents of 2003. Subject matter areas include activist organizations, the arts, business/workplace, education, government and the media; there is a miscellaneous section as well. A special section devoted to the controversy over “The Passion of the Christ” is included.

Catholic League president William Donohue offers an executive summary that provides an overview of the year’s events.

Copies have been mailed to all major media outlets in the nation. Those in the media who did not receive a copy, and would like one, should contact the Catholic League at 212-371-3191. It is available to the public for $10.