AP: An Australian church group has launched
a Web site and a series of cinema advertisements challenging theories in the blockbuster book "The Da Vinci Code" to coincide with the release of the movie version. The $38,000 campaign by Anglican Sydney Media urges viewers of the film and readers of Dan Brown's novel to seek the truth about Jesus Christ.
"Our concern is that 'The Da Vinci Code' will mislead people about the truth," said Bishop Robert Forsyth, the chairman of the group, which promotes the Sydney diocese of the Anglican church in the media.
We are not afraid of the film. We are not seeking to discourage people from seeing it," he said Sunday. "But we are well aware of the power popular films have in filling the information void about Jesus."
Among other disputed claims, "The Da Vinci Code" contends that Jesus married Mary Magdalene and had descendants.
The film version of "The Da Vinci Code," starring Tom Hanks, is due to open worldwide May 17-19.
»
