The most violent movie ever made or a recruitment drive for the Christian faith? These are just two of the extreme views which have greeted the controversial picture from Mel Gibson (right) The Passion of The Christ, which opens today. ROISIN GAD EL RAB has been asking leading church figures from the Chester area what they think.

COURTING controversy on all sides, Mel Gibson's gory interpretation of Christ's final hours and the horror of the crucifixion has left few people speechless.

Today's timely release of The Passion of The Christ, two weeks before Easter, has put the 'don't talk about over dinner' subject of religion firmly on the table.

And for lost souls suffering a crisis of faith inspired by the movie, or just confused by its message, leaflets and postcards offering guidance and answers have been scattered in Chester cinemas.

Link-up, a group of 15 cross-denominational churches in Chester, has produced Freepost postcards which can be found in the UGC and Odeon cinemas giving support and advice to anyone who seeks it.

Pastor Gerald Sidery, of Northgate Church, Upper Northgate Street, Chester, saw the film at a preview for church leaders earlier in the month.

He said: 'The day after we saw it we discussed the possible impact it would have on people and how we as churches could help answer the question 'Why?'. The film doesn't give you the answers, it leaves you with questions.

'We want to help people find God and the film creates an opening for Christians to share their faith and help people with some of the answers. It is not a denominational film - it is just a film about truth.'

Describing the film as both shocking and awesome, he said: 'It was probably one of the most violent films I've ever seen but it made me realise that the gospel we preach is a very violent gospel - He died a very violent death. It has definitely strengthened my faith and my appreciation for Jesus.

'Christians who see this will never be able to read the gospel in the same light again because they will always have such a strong visual to go with the narrative.

'Hollywood has tended to tone down the betrayal of the passion, whereas this film is very realistic - you almost feel as if you are there.'

Mr Sidery has recommended parishioners to see it, but has also given out a warning.

'It is an 18 and many people can't handle violence in the cinema - I have recommended them to wait for it to come out on DVD, where it will have less impact,' he said.

He said he failed to see where criticisms of anti-Semitism came in as the film laid blame on all parties.

'I think everybody came out of it in a bad light, the Jewish leaders, not the Jews as a whole, but also the Romans and the barbaric Europeans - we are all guilty,' he said.

'For Christians it will reinforce their faith, for unchurched people it will leave them numb but they will be left with the question 'Why? What was it all about?'.'

Mr Sidery added: 'It has put the person of Jesus Christ centre stage around the world - if people follow through with their questions, they will find some answers in the Church.'

Copies of the leaflet can be obtained by calling 01244 377 388.