Church Army welcomes BBC One's forthcoming new drama about the last days of Jesus

6 December 2007

BBC1 today announced a major drama series on the last days of Jesus to be broadcast across Holy Week 2008. It will be told from the point of view of Caiaphas, Pilate and the disciples.

Andrew Graystone, Director of the Churches' Media Council,has encouraged the Christian community to welcome the BBC's Passion unreservedly. He has been involved with discussions with the producer Nigel Stafford-Clark, and has seen some early extracts from the series.

Andrew says; "This is a straightforward account of the last few days of the life of Jesus, told with honesty and passion.Obviously it is a work of drama not theology.It wasn't conceived as an exercise in evangelism. But it springs directly from the story of the gospels. It promises to be the most honest and challenging account of Jesus seen on TV in many years. It will prompt believers and unbelievers alike to think about Jesus. We want to encourage and contribute to those discussions."

Church Army's David Coleman is part of a group drawn from all the main Christian denominations and mission agencies by The Churches Media Council to prepare for the series, which is likely to be seen by up to 8 million viewers.The group will provide briefing notes and suggestions for churches on how to use the series and will also coordinate a panel of speakers who will be prepared to discuss the series in the national media.

Mark Russell Church Army's Chief Executive adds; "This Easter the whole country will be talking about Jesus. Let's take a break from discussing the state of the church or the finer points of theology! Instead let's take our cue from this series and focus our discussions on the person of Jesus."

To read more from the BBC on Passion go to http://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/pressreleases/stories/2007/12_december/04/passion.shtml