PIRATED COPIES OF ”THE PASSION” USED TO EVANGELISE

HONG KONG, March 31, 2004 (asianews.it): Christians fear that Mel Gibson’s film “The Passion” will not be shown in China due to government censorship. Meanwhille first private viewings of the film are accompanied by prayer gatherings and young agnostics want to know more about the faith. “The Passion”  has “struck a heavy blow against atheism,” says one Chinese youth. Mainland China Christians who have little hope that “The Passion of the Christ” will be shown in cinemas have resorted to viewing pirated copies of the film. Since early March, many Catholics in various parts of China have enjoyed private “premieres” of the film thanks to the wide availability of DVD copies. These poor quality copies with Chinese subtitles are sold cheaply on streets in some parts of China. Some parishes in the government-approved official Church have even notified their members of the availability of DVD copies of the movie at their own parish stores.   READ FURTHER in PIME Asia News