August 7, 2020 – Archdiocese of Boston Statement Regarding David Haas

We want to make you aware of an issue involving Catholic musician and composer David Haas that while unrelated to the Archdiocese of Boston is serious in nature. Mr. Haas has been accused of sexual misconduct involving adult women alleged to have occurred at Catholic-sponsored events in other states. 
 
His home diocese, the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis, announced it would not provide him a letter of suitability for the various events he was scheduled to participate in and have also banned his participation and the use of his music at Archdiocesan events and Masses including those hosted by parishes, schools and related Catholic entities. The Archdiocese of Los Angeles also announced it is investigating allegations of sexual misconduct by Mr. Haas at the Religious Education Congress and is advising parishes, schools and ministries to refrain from using his music.  In addition, GIA Publications has suspended its relationship with Mr. Haas. 
 
Given the seriousness of the allegations, we are advising that parishes, schools and ministries in the Archdiocese of Boston should refrain from using music composed by Mr. Haas until such time as there is a resolution to the allegations against him. We recognize that he is afforded the opportunity to defend himself. However, given the enormous pain and suffering survivors of sexual abuse and sexual misconduct experience, we feel it is appropriate to suspend the use of his music at this time. 
 

• Archdiocese of St Paul statement
• Archdiocese of Los Angeles Statement 
• GIA statement