Church buys tickets for Passion

Members of Gloucester Community Church were shocked and moved

A Gloucester church paid for 350 of its worshippers to watch the controversial new film, The Passion of the Christ.

Gloucester Community Church cancelled normal services so the congregation could see the movie at the Peel Centre.

It depicts the last 12 hours of Jesus' life and shows in bloody detail his brutal treatment at his Crucifixion.

Afterwards, viewers told BBC Radio Gloucestershire they thought the film was shocking, moving, graphic and not one to enjoy.

Church responses

The church's pastor, Jez Gledhill said: "I went to see the film a few days ago and felt very impacted.

"We wanted to give other people the opportunity to watch it. We're hoping it will provoke thoughts from people about the Christian faith.

"We want to have an effect on our community and we've been amazed at other people's responses, from other churches too."

The biblical epic, directed by Mel Gibson, has provoked strong criticism, partly due the violence, but also from Jewish groups who feel it is anti-semitic.