Mel Gibson is repeating his assertion that his upcoming film "The Passion of the Christ" is not anti-Semitic and is simply meant to make viewers realize the extent of Jesus' sacrifice.

The film, which doesn't open for another week -- on Ash Wednesday, Feb. 25 -- has already stirred up plenty of controversy. Many Jewish leaders have expressed concern that the film may inflame anti-Semitism.

Abraham Foxman, U.S. director of the Anti-Defamation League, is urging the Vatican to instruct Catholics around the world that the film is an artistic work and not the Catholic Church's sanctioned gospel.

"It's Mel Gibson's version of the gospel, it's Mel's gospel. He's entitled, but he's promoting it as the gospel truth," Foxman told Reuters Television Tuesday.

"He's promoting it as biblical, historical truth and I believe the Church has a responsibility to its teachings, its interpretation, and this is at variance with what the Church is all about."

Foxman believes the film is not anti-Semitic. But he says since it portrays Jews as "bloodthirsty and vengeful," it "has the potential to fuel anti-Semitism."

Gibson, who funded, directed and co-wrote the movie, reportedly based his script on gospel accounts but also on the visions of a 19th century mystical nun, St Anne Catherine Emmerich. He says the story is a faithful biblical narrative.

Gibson told Diane Sawyer for ABC's "Primetime" that the film is not anti-Semitic because "to be anti-Semitic is a sin."

"It's been condemned by one Papal Council after another. To be anti-Semitic is to be un-Christian, and I'm not," Gibson said in the segment that aired Monday night.

When Sawyer asked Gibson who he believed killed Jesus, Gibson replied: "The big answer is, we all did. I'll be the first in the culpability stakes here."

"I don't want people to make it about the blame game," Gibson added. "It's about faith, hope, love and forgiveness. That's what this film is about. It's about Christ's sacrifice."

Gibson is a member of a group of traditionalist Catholics who do not accept some of the reforms decided by the 1962-1965 Second Vatican Council.

One of the key statements to come out of the Council was a repudiation of the concept of collective Jewish guilt for his death. Many believe the notion of Jewish guilt fueled anti-Semitism for centuries.

Foxman said the film betrays that landmark Vatican Council.

"It is the old, medieval, classical interpretation of 'deicide,' which blames the Jews and it will be seen by millions of viewers," he said.

"I would hope that the Vatican and the Catholic Church would stand up to defend its teachings because in fact what the film is is an interpretation that challenges what the Church has been teaching for the past 40 years," he said.

Earlier this year the Vatican became embroiled in a controversy over conflicting reports about whether Pope John Paul had endorsed the accuracy of the film. The Vatican later said the Pope had not made any public judgment.