Church-goers in Oxford have pre-booked hundreds of cinema tickets to watch the controversial blockbuster The Passion of The Christ.

The movie, which opens in the city on March 26 has been criticised for its violent depiction of the last 12 hours of Jesus's life, and for being anti-Semitic.

The Odeon in Magdalen Street has offered churches the chance to buy hundreds of tickets at discount prices. One church has already booked more than 100 seats in one showing.

A spokesman for the cinema said the film would be shown on screen one, four times a day. It had already sold 350 advanced bookings for Friday, and between 650 and 700 for the following few days. Screen one holds 650 customers.

"Friday night is very nearly sold out and there are screenings around Saturday tea-time which are more than half filled already," she said.

"We expected it to be this popular and we have had quite a few big block bookings from churches."

The Odeon in George Street sold 60 tickets out of a possible 230 for yesterday's advance screening.

But cinema-goers are being warned to expect shocking scenes in the blockbuster, directed by Mel Gibson, and many churches are preparing special events to help worshippers come to terms with its content.

The Rev Richard Thomas, diocese communications director, said: "The film has been accused of anti-Semitism, but what it shows is that religious majorities can abuse power and that always results in the most terrible prosecutions.

"In our generation it speaks strongly about abuse of power by large faith groups and the devastation that can cause.

"It also shows the way the true power of God is exercised through weakness and love. Anyone who goes to see it should be prepared to be in shock afterwards. I was."

Naomi Clayden, president of the Oxford Jewish Congregation, said: "The Gospels were written in a time when Jews and Christians were in competition for the same converts, and should be looked at in that context."

St Andrew's Church has booked up to 60 tickets, followed by a supper party to discuss the film.

Vicar the Rev Andrew Wingfield Digby will be showing a promotional DVD in church over Easter.

He said: "We dedicated Sunday night's service to it, and gave a sermon about its contents and are encouraging people to go and see it, but flagging up the controversial issues.

"I think the church is guilty of being insensitive to Jewish people down the centuries, but this film is faithful to scripture."

The Rev Vaughn Roberts, vicar of St Ebbe's Church, said: "There will be things I don't like about the film, but it is an opportunity to look at why this brutal, bloody death is at the centre of the Christian faith.

"As for anti-Semitism, we are all in the frame. The Bible says Jesus died for sins of all people, so we are all responsible, not one particular race."

Cinema-goers yesterday (March 24) who saw a special preview gave a mixed review.

Trainee vicar Matthew Edwards, 27, of Norham Gardens, Oxford, said: "It takes a while to assess. It is quite a powerful, unpleasant experience."

Student Rod Tonge, 23, of Marston Road, Oxford said: "I am not religious -- more of a film fan. I just thought I didn't see the point. I knew the suffering had to be portrayed but that is all it was. I didn't get a sense of Jesus as a person."

Catholic Sandra Simmonds, of Greater Leys, said: "It has made my faith stronger, actually. I was quite shocked."

St Ebbe's will be holding an Easter carol service on Sunday, April 4, at 6.30pm

St Aldate's Church is to hold a Passion of the Christ service at 6.30pm on Easter Monday

Oxford Community Church, Osney Mead, is to highlight the film in a service at 11am on Easter Sunday

Oxford Bible Church will be addressing issues from the film at services on Easter Sunday, April 11, at 11am and 6pm

A special service will take place at St Clement's Church at 6.30pm on March 28.