Mel Gibson's crucifixion of Christ movie receives accolades from musicians and church leaders.

UNPRECEDENTED support has been given by Christian musicians and church leaders for the forthcoming Mel Gibson film The Passion Of The Christ. Typical of the accolades came from Christy Nockels, of the group Watermark, who after a showing of the film said, "This movie changed our lives forever. The room was full of the sound of weeping and sobbing, including our own. I told Nathan on the way home that I only wish that I could have seen it as a young teen. It is fitting that the whole movie begins with a black screen with the text of Isaiah 53.5, 'But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities, the chastisement for our peace was upon him and by his stripes we are healed.'"

Dr Erwin Lutzer, pastor of Moody Church in Chicago, said, "Those of us who are often sceptical (of what comes out of Hollywood) were refreshed and blessed to be able to see Mel Gibson's film. The dialogue fit very closely with the Bible and most assuredly, with the time and sequence of what Jesus Christ endured. This is a film that can unite people, not divide them. That is the message that I hope will not be lost - and I don't think can be lost - by people who see this movie."

The Passion Of The Christ, directed, produced and co-written by Mel Gibson, opens across the UK on 26th March. The film stars Jim Caviezel as Jesus of Nazareth, Monica Bellucci as Mary Magdalene, Maia Morgenstern as Mary, Mattia Sbragia as Caiphas and Hristo Naumov Shopov as Pontius Pilate.