Planners of a new Mennonite hymnal are dropping seven songs from the book just months before publication after learning of sexual misconduct allegations concerning a composer.
MennoMedia, the hymnal’s publisher, announced June 23 that songs by David Haas, a Catholic composer, recording artist, author and conference presenter, are being removed from Voices Together.
The Mennonite Worship and Song Committee made the decision after learning about accusations announced in late May by Into Account, an Anabaptist organization that advocates for survivors of abuse in church contexts.
Into Account sent a May 29 email to Haas’ associates indicating it had received reports of “repeated, unethical abuse of the professional and spiritual power he has had in church music circles” to “create conditions in which women felt obligated to perform sexual favors in exchanges for professional opportunities.”
Into Account described its information as “a series of disturbing allegations spanning 30 years, from multiple, credible individuals who know Haas well.” The youngest alleged victim was 19 at the time of alleged sexual battery, when Haas was over 50 years old.
Prominent hymnal publisher GIA Publications announced on June 13 it had received allegations about Haas earlier this year and was severing its publishing relationship with him.
Haas denied the allegations in a June 16 statement on his website, calling them “false, reckless and offensive,” and indicated he “stands in solidarity and prayerful support of sexual abuse victims.”
National Catholic Reporter interviewed multiple alleged victims and Haas’ ex-wife, who described getting to know him as teenagers at his Music Ministry Alive summer music programs in St. Paul, Minn. The area archdiocese took action against Haas in 1987 following a report of sexual misconduct.