While not directly mentioning the consecration of V. Gene Robinson the openly homosexual bishop of New Hampshire, Carey said the modern church has lost the doctrine of the cross, and for St. Paul the cross was pivotal and anchor of the Faith.

Many want to skip the cross, putting the focus on experience, but it must not be separated from the doctrine and redemption of our Lord, said Carey.

He writes in the April issue of Episcopal Life: “Having heard so much about the film, I was quite curious to see what my own reaction would be. I wondered if I would be moved, or repelled by the violence. I also wondered if I would find myself seeing the film at variance with my own understanding of the Passion.

According to Episcopal Church treasurer Kurt Barnes charitable and nonprofit organizations have suffered income restrictions this year due to a poorly performing economy, citing declines of up to 20 percent. "Layoffs affect churches too," he pointed out.

Nationally, donations to the Episcopal Church are down about $3 million, or 6 percent, since the confirmation of New Hampshire Bishop V. Gene Robinson, officials said.

The Morehouse Publishing editorial said that few events in recent church history have had the impact that this decision has made on the church and the polity of the worldwide Anglican Communion.

“The controversy has been brewing for many years, not only in the Episcopal Church but in most major denominations and, for that matter, society at large.”