Debate over ‘Jesus, the Evidence’

Press, 24 October 1984, Page 8

Debate over ‘Jesus, the Evidence’

PA Auckland The Anglican archbishop, the Most Rev. Paul Reeves, supports the screening of a controversial television documentary that suggests Jesus was possibly a homosexual. But Archbishop Reeves emphasised that while he was not against the screening of “Jesus, the Evidence,” it did not mean he approved of what the documentary had to say. “I happen to believe that Jesus was not a homosexual but I am not against the screening of the documentary because I think people have intelligence and a mind of their own and should use these God-given faculties,” he said. The three-part series on the life of Jesus, due to begin on New Zealand television on November 23,

sparked outrage among Christians when it was shown in Britain. As well, as questioning many of the miracles of Christ and the Resurrection, it suggests Jesus associated with homosexuals and was' possibly a homosexual himself. However, the documentary also produces evidence to discredit the homosexuality claim. The proposed screening of the senes has angered some Christian groups in New Zealand. Auckland’s Catholic bishop, Dr Denis- Browne, said he had not seen the documentary but as far as he was concerned Jesus was not a homosexual and he would be against the screening of the documentary if it suggested this.