Representatives of the UK's biggest denominations are encouraging Christians to engage with a forthcoming BBC drama series that re-tells the story of the cross and resurrection of Jesus.

The Passion first airs on Palm Sunday, 16 March, and will take viewers through the last week of Jesus' life, his trial and crucifixion. The final episode, on Easter Sunday, 23 March, dramatises Jesus' post-resurrection appearances to his disciples.

The Churches' Media Council has published guidance for Christians saying, "There's no need to debate whether or not the Christian community should welcome this production. We celebrate the fact that the story of Jesus is being retold for an audience of millions."

The series has been made by award-winning drama producer Nigel Stafford-Clark of Bleak House and Warriors notoriety and is expected to attract audiences in excess of 10 million.

The Chair of the Council, Rev Dr Joel Edwards, said, "From time to time opportunities arise nationally that provide significant moments for the Christian faith to engage with our culture. One such opportunity will be the forthcoming BBC series The Passion."

Dr Edwards, who is soon to launch a new book on evangelicals as the 'good news' people, said he expects the BBC series to make "a huge national impact" over the Easter season.

The cast includes a number of well-known British actors, including Cold Feet star James Nesbitt as Pilate and EastEnders actor Paul Nicholls as Judas Iscariot. Jesus is played by the relatively unknown Joseph Mawle, who at 33 is the same age as Jesus was at the time he was crucified.

A group of denominational representatives and Christian organisations convened by the Churches' Media Council has launched a website to help Christians engage with the series with the help of resources and information about the series.

The group says The Passion will provide an opportunity to contribute to a contemporary public discussion about Jesus, which the Christian community should not miss.

Guidelines on the Churches' Media Council website encourage the Christian community to treat the series as drama first rather than theology.

Andrew Graystone, Director of the Churches' Media Council, was profoundly moved by early versions of the series. "This is an extremely vivid piece of drama. You feel you are right there, in amongst the Passover crowds, alongside the disciples as Jesus comes out with these simple but earth-shattering messages.

"And then of course, he's taken away and makes the ultimate sacrifice, and like the disciples, you're left to decide what you are going to do about it."

National Christian leaders will attend a special preview screening of the series on Thursday.

Mr Graystone added, "Christians have a tendency to be critical of the media - and sometimes with good reason. But I hope Christians will welcome this series unreservedly.

"It's a once-in-a-generation opportunity to engage the whole nation in a public conversation about the Christian message."

The website www.rejesus.co.uk will act as a one-stop-shop for anyone who sees the series and wants to explore Christian faith.

The Churches' Media Council resource page can be accessed at www.churchesmediacouncil.org.uk/passion