While churches in the US and UK are preparing to use the movie as part of their local outreach over Easter, Jewish leaders and religious scholars have been contesting the way the film depicts the trial and crucifixion of Jesus, accusing it of portraying the Jews of being responsible for his death.

Mel Gibson has responded by promising to cut a scene from the trial of Jesus, in which the Jewish high priest Caiaphas says: "His blood be on us and on our children." The quotation is taken directly from Matthew's Gospel (Matthew 27:25).

America's Anti Defamation League has expressed serious concern that the film could fuel anti-semitism. They say that the film shows "Romans who behave with compassion toward Jesus. The Roman governor, Pontius Pilate, constantly expresses his reticence to harm Jesus. The Jews, on the other hand, are depicted as blood-thirsty."

They add: "There will be many people who are not so familiar with the Gospel narratives and might believe that everything they see on the film derives directly from the New Testament."

Wall Street Journal contributing editor peggy Noonan, who has seen the film and is involved in the debate about it comments: " I found myself moved and inspired by the film, which isn't about hatred but love, and love's continuing war with evil. It is a film that engenders awe, gratitude, and no small amount of self-examination. What role do I play in the crucifixion of Christ, and what role would I have played if I had been there?"

The Passion of the Christ is released in the UK on 26 March and in the US on 25 February.