That charge has been leveled against Jews for two- thousand years. It has led to horrible, brutal persecutions, culminating in Nazi Holocaust and death of Six Million Jews.

The Holocaust brought about deep theological soul- searching within Christianity. It led to a revised view of circumstances involving Trial and Crucifixion of Jesus, a more appreciative understanding of Jewish faith, and a more respectful approach to Jewish-Christian relations.

Now comes Mel Gibson's highly controversial film, "The Passion of Christ," (premiere date: Ash Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2004). According to concerned Jewish and Christian leaders, film resurrects Christ-killer charge with a passion.

It is time to retire Christ-killer charge, once and for all. The Jews did not kill Jesus. The Romans killed Jesus.

The most obvious evidence is form of execution - crucifixion - ordered by Pontius Pilate, Roman procurator of Judea. Crucifixion was not a Jewish form of capital punishment.

The New Testament suggests that Pontius Pilate was willing to release Jesus, but that Jews wanted him dead. It was other way around. Pilate saw Jesus as a dangerous messianic revolutionary, who had to be destroyed.

Pilate was a schemer and manipulator. He had full control over Jewish High Priest, who held office at Pontius Pilate's discretion. He, Pilate, had final control - since he kept High Priest's officiating robes under lock and key in Tower of Antonia. The High Priest needed these robes to officiate at major holidays, like Passover. If he did not do Pilate's bidding, robes were not released to him, and he was replaced by a more malleable High Priest (Source: "Man's Religions," by John B. Ross [p. 574].)

Pilate was not confused, conflicted, considerate, stymied person pictured in New Testament. He was a harsh, brutal and cruel ruler. There was great unrest at time in Holy Land. People were being oppressed by Rome and craved liberation from Roman rule. They yearned for promised, triumphant Messiah.