Church music composer David Haas accused of ‘sexual battery’ and ‘spiritual manipulation’
At least two religious publishers have cut ties with Catholic composer David Haas after nearly a dozen women have accused him of sexual and spiritual abuse.
GIA Publications, which publishes one of the most popular Catholic hymnals in the US, said in a June 13 Facebook post that it had become aware of the accusations against Haas in early 2020: “In response, we suspended our sponsorship and publishing relationship with Mr. Haas, and have not sponsored his work since late January.”
Then, in late June, MennoMedia—an agency of Mennonite Church USA—said songs composed by Haas had been removed from consideration for its new hymnal, scheduled to be released this fall, although five of his songs are included in hymnal supplements already used in many Mennonite congregations.
