Gibson and Dobson

I wrote last week that I was a little surprised that few evangelical leaders have spoken up about actor/director Mel Gibson's drunken, anti-Semitic tirade in late July. Gibson, a Catholic, became something of an evangelical darling for his "The Passion of the Christ" movie.

Now, James Dobson -- head of Focus on the Family -- has released a statement. In short, Dobson says that we should give the guy a break.

"Mel has apologized profusely for the incident and there the matter should rest," Dobson said. "Mel has also indicated his willingness to seek help to overcome his alcoholism, and has asked the Jewish community for forgiveness. What more can he do?"

Dobson also said Gibson's remarks weren't relevent to "The Passion," which some criticized as being anti-Semitic. Dobson called it "one of the finest films of this era," and said nothing has taken place that would alter the ministry's view on the matter.