DENVER -- The marquee outside the Lovingway United Pentecostal Church reads, "Jews killed the Lord Jesus. Settled!" Pastor Maurice Gorden premiered his billboard the same day "The Passion of the Christ," a movie criticized for potential anti-Semitism, opened.

KMGH-TV reported the Anti-Defamation League asked for the marquee to be changed because it is anti-Semitic, but the church only amended the billboard by removing the word "settled" and attributing the line to Scripture, I Thessalonians 2:14,15.

"The word of God is the final word," said Gorden in the report.

Bruce DeBoskey, the Mountain States Regional Director for the Anti-Defamation League said he spoke with Gorden about the danger of such a divisive message. Gorden said his aim was to turn people back to the Bible to see for themselves.

"If I can get people to rediscover their Bible ... if I can get people to go back and look ... what does it actually say?" asked Gorden.

Jewish leaders have criticized the movie for its potential to stir up anti-Semitic attitudes that may cause people to lash out at Jews.

The Colorado Council of Churches also tried to get Gorden to change the sign but he refused.

Rev. Jim Ryan, a spokesperson for the council pointed out that most Christians don't share the sentiment expressed on the sign. He said scholars interpret the Thessalonians passage to mean certain Jews who opposed Jesus' teachings, not all Jews.

"It is ironic that a church named 'Lovingway' would advance such an attitude of hurtfulness," Ryan said. "Christ gave his life for all people. To blame a particular group of people, then or now, is a misuse of the Gospel of love and grace."