Mel's film has started in German cinemas. In preparation, the German Bishop's Conference, the Jewish Council, and the Protestant Church have issued a warning about the film's potential for use as antisemitic propaganda. I'll translate the main points of the statement presently. Meantime, here's a link to the Bischofskonferenz with the text of the declaration.
Here's an excerpt:
As the preceding discussion has shown, a further problem lies in the film's depiction of the Jews who participated...Independent of whether or not the [filmaker's] intent was antisemitic, there is a danger that the film might be used for the purpose of antisemitic propaganda. While the film does contain suggestions of differentiated depictions of jewish figures, it conjures an overall impression of a negative image, for example, that of the High Council and larger segments of the Jewish people. The film's depictions run the risk of reinvigorating antisemitic prejudices. This is especially explosive given the current situation in Europe, in which there is a recognizable growth of antisemitic tendencies.
We warn collectively and expressly against any use of this film or of the sufferings of Jesus in the service of antisemitic propaganda. The Christian churches have expressly declared that anti-Judaicism is a part of Christian historic guilt. [The churches] reject the thesis of the collective guilt of the Jewish people and every form of antisemitism and racism. The relationship between Christians and Jews today is characterized by a common respect and recognition. We call for all responsible parties to ensure that these good relationships are not damaged by any instrumentalization of the sufferings of Jesus that might be traced to this film.
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