Mel Gibson’s “The Passion of the Christ” will have been seen by millions by Easter weekend, but leaders of area churches said it’s hard to predict whether the movie will affect attendance.

Christian churches will celebrate Easter Sunday as part of their Holy Week, which is the celebration of Jesus rising from the dead.

Mel Gibson’s “The Passion of the Christ” film shows the last 12 hours of Jesus’ life, which is honored on Friday of this week, known as Good Friday.

John Donaghy, campus minister for St. Thomas Aquinas Church and Catholic Student Center, 2210 Lincoln Way, and lecturer of religious studies, said St. Thomas Aquinas will have many people at its Easter services, but it is hard to guess — without specific statistics — if attendance would be higher because of the film.

Donaghy said there was no way to judge the movie’s effects on society, because there are many factors besides the movie that could play a part.

On the movie’s Web site, www.thepassionofchrist.com, Gibson said he hopes to have an overall effect on people.

“My intention for this film was to create a lasting work of art and to stimulate serious thought and reflection among diverse audiences of all backgrounds,” Gibson wrote. “My ultimate hope is that this story’s message of tremendous courage and sacrifice might inspire tolerance, love and forgiveness. We’re definitely in need of those things in today’s world.”

David Staff, pastor of First Evangelical Free Church, 2008 24th St., said the movie had lasting effects on people at his church.

He said the movie might have had more effects on Christians than on non-Christians.

“I think [Gibson] reinforced for Christians the basis for forgiveness. I hope people are reflective of it,” Staff said.

“I’ve heard and spoke with many who just couldn’t get over it for days and days.”

He said he thinks some of “The Passion” mania is now dying down because movies typically have a shelf life in American culture.

However, with regards to increased attendance at church for Easter services, he said he wouldn’t doubt his church would see more interest in Holy Week than in years past.

Tim Borseth, co-pastor of Stonebrook Community Church, 3611 Eisenhower Ave., and the student ministry The Rock, said his church is doing a series based on “The Passion,” during which he has seen a slight increase in attendance.

However, Borseth said it’s too early to say whether there have been lasting impressions. Borseth said he did know without question that it has made Jesus the talk of the nation.

“I wonder if there is anything that would have a lasting impression on our society, especially after 9/11,” Borseth said. “We are a pretty forgetful nation.”

Chris Swanson, staff member for the student ministry Campus Crusade for Christ, said the film has definitely prompted more discussion among students and everyone.

“There’s power in the arts, films, movies, music [that] charges the senses in a way that a sermon on Sunday maybe doesn’t,” Swanson said.