Dallas, Texas, Feb 3, 2004 / 22:00 pm
The Baptist General Convention of Texas is hoping Mel Gibson’s “The Passion of the Christ”, to be released in theaters Ash Wednesday, will be a good opportunity for outreach and evangelization.
In preparation for the film’s release, the 2-million member Baptist convention has launched an ad campaign in theaters, which is designed to spark interest and questions on the part of younger viewers about Christianity, reported the Associated Press.
Many evangelical Christian groups throughout North America have launched similar campaigns. Catholic journalist John Allen also expressed his hope in a column last week that the Catholic Church will take advantage of the momentum created by the film and be at the ready to minister to those who have a spiritual awakening or come seeking answers to questions of faith.
However, AMC Theatres has refused to accept the Baptists’ 30-second ad, describing it as "too dark" and "too Christian," reported the AP.