SUBMITTED BY Timbo

February 20, 2004 — Churches are making deals with local theaters to have advance screenings of "The Passion of the Christ".

At the East 91st Street Christian Church in Indianapolis, 2,400 tickets to Monday and Tuesday showings of Mel Gibson's graphic crucifixion drama disappeared quickly. The film premieres Wednesday -- Ash Wednesday on the Christian calendar.

Senior Minister Derek Duncan didn't blanch at the $23,000 cost, which the church picked up: He saw a unique opportunity to spread the message of Jesus. "I believe our society is so visual, so if you can see it -- present it in that way -- it might move you in a deeper way," Duncan said.

Other evangelicals have had the same idea, encouraged by the proliferation of testimonials, Web sites and books plugging the movie. Some pastors and Christian radio stations contracted with theaters for private screenings -- many aimed specifically at conversion -- well before the release date.

They're getting sneak peeks while interest builds in the $25-million film, which Gibson co-wrote, directed and financed. His Icon Productions and distributor Newmarket Films said this week they've added 800 additional theaters to the original 2,000 to meet demand for advance tickets.

Read the rest at the link below.