The Passion of the Christ Round Table Discussions
 Owing to the great interest in the recently released movie "The Passion Of The Christ", the leaders of the various faith communities of Southbury decided to hold a series of round table discussions on the movie, and the emotions it generates. These discussions were held at Sacred Heart Church (March 29, 2004) and B'nai Israel Synagogue (March 30, 2004). These photos show only a small part of the evenings happenings. We hope that everyone had a chance to speak and listen to each other, and thus grow in our mutual understanding of each others concerns.
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The evening started out at Sacred Heart with many people from all the faith communities in town, and their clergy, gathered to discuss this most interesting movie. Pastor McGee of St. James Lutheran Church moderated the evening, explaining the ground rules, and how things would progress. A difficult job, but nicely handled. |
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Without the round tables, the round table discussion depended on our willingness to speak freely with those around us. Fortunately, that did not prove to be difficult, as everyone was open to what others had to say. Lots of good discussion among the people of good will in the pews. |
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After the small group discussion, the floor was open to anyone who might wish to make a more public observation, or offer a question to the clergy. |
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Fr. Donnelly was kept busy during this part of the open forum. He had the job of delivering the portable microphone to everyone who wished to speak. You can't appreciate how big the church building really is until you have had to race from on side to another and back again. |
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After the period of public comment, the clergy were given a few minutes to address various topics about the movie. Fr. Donnelly of Sacred Heart addressed the difficulties in the biblical background of the movie, and some of the errors that crept in. |
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Speaking after Fr. Donnelly, Rabbi Polokoff of B'Nai Israel spoke about the antisemetic elements found in the film. |
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The final speaker for the evening was Fr. Aleandro of Christ the Savior Orthodox Church. He spoke on the topic of Atonement, and how the suffering, death and resurrection of Christ paid for our sins. |
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A part of the crowd of over 200 people who attended the Sacred Heart portion of the discussion evening. |
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Rev. Walter Pitman, pastor of Southbury United Church of Christ, offered his thoughts on the movie |
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As did Rabbi Polokoff, when asked for more details on his earlier presentation. |
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And, of course, you can't expect to get all those people together without some food for the body as well as the soul. Fr. Donnelly spent some time going over in more detail his thoughts on the movie |
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Ths following evening, another round table discussion group formed, this time at the B'Nai Israel Synagogue. These are a few of the early arrivals. |
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The area clergy was again well represented. These are only a few of those who took the time from their busy schedules to be present to members of all faiths. |
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The evening started out with a prayer led by Chris Radlitz. |
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Using the same basic format at the previous evening, Fr. Donnelly, Rabbi Polokoff, and Fr. Aleandro spoke about their various concerns, members of the audience spoke about theirs, and the evening progressed in a very productive manner. Unfortunately, at this point, your reporter had to leave for another appointment. However, I understand that this evening was led to consider more what is expected from me, as an individual, as a result of the suffering, death, and resurrection of Christ. Difficult question, don't you think? |