New York, NY, March 15, 2004…The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) expressed appreciation to Karl Cardinal Lehmann, Chairman of the Bishops’ Conference of Germany, for the Conference’s strong statement warning that Mel Gibson’s “The Passion of the Christ” not be used as “an instrument of anti-Semitism.” 

In its statement, the Bishop’s Conference of Germany said: “With regard to the accusation that the movie was anti-Semitic, the congregations and priests carry a great responsibility.  The gospel of the suffering, dying and resurrection of Jesus Christ is to be celebrated as a message of salvation, which does not condemn certain groups.  Therefore it is in the spirit of respect to the Jewish people and the Jewish faith to proclaim, with the words of the Good Friday Intercession for the Jews; God ‘protect them in the faithfulness to His covenant and in the love of His name.’ We strongly warn against making The Passion of the Christ an instrument of anti-Semitism.”

In a letter to Cardinal Lehmann, Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director, and Rabbi Gary Bretton-Granatoor, ADL Director of Interfaith Affairs, said, “We commend you on this powerful statement which embodies the spirit of Nostra Aetate and the many palpable examples of Catholic-Jewish fraternity that have been born of that great teaching.  It is our two-fold prayer that other Bishops’ Conferences will follow your strong lead, and the film, ‘The Passion of the Christ,’ not be used to turn anyone toward a passion of hatred.”