‘Predatory’ Catholic Composer

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TRANSCRIPT

A popular composer of church music is now accused of being a sexual predator.

David Haas — composer of such common songs as "You Are Mine" and "We Are Called" — is facing charges from multiple women.

The allegations surfaced recently, after Into Account — an organization for those abused by religious leaders — stated multiple women are accusing Haas of sexually manipulating them.

Haas is a leader in writing songs for Mass in a contemporary style.

Much of his music can be found in the Gather Hymnal, used in thousands of Catholic parishes throughout the United States.

The allegations against Haas cover a 30-year period, and include "grooming," "spiritual manipulation," "sexual aggression" and "sexual battery."

The women making the claims are currently anonymous.

One accuser says she was 19 and Haas was over 50 when he committed sexual battery against her.

Allegedly, Haas targets women who were abused previously as victims for his sexual manipulation.

In the wake of the allegations, GIA Publications — which publishes the Gather Hymnal — announced it had become aware of allegations earlier in the year and quietly severed ties with Haas as a result.

Haas' songs are often criticized by traditional-minded Catholics for sounding like secular pop music, straying from liturgical tradition, and lacking reverence or theological substance — the opposite of true hymns.

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