Church Composer From Minnesota Accused Of Sexual Misconduct

MINNEAPOLIS, MN — David Haas, who composed some of the most well-known hymns sung in Catholic parishes and other Christian churches throughout the United States, has apologized after women he worked with over a 40-year span accused him of sexual misconduct.

Haas' works include popular hymns such as "Blest Are They," "We Are Called" and "You Are Mine."

On June 14, the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis released a statement alerting Catholics about allegations made against Haas, and it banned him from working with churches in the metro area.

"The complaints about Haas are particularly concerning since they involve offenses against the dignity of the human person and are alleged to have occurred at Catholic events," the diocese wrote.

Haas, 63, initially denied the allegations, telling the Catholic News Agency in June that the accusations are "false, reckless and offensive."

On July 8, the archdiocese said it received "additional reports from women in different parts of the country alleging that David Haas engaged in inappropriate conduct with them in the 1980s, when the women were young adults."

It added that "the conduct described in these new, independent reports is similar in nature to the conduct described in previous allegations." The archdiocese issued further bans, saying it will not allow Haas’ compositions at archdiocesan Masses or other events.

On July 9, Haas issued a public apology.

"In recent days, through a lot of prayer and reflection, I have come to realize that I have caused great harm to a variety of people," Haas wrote on his website.

"I make no excuses for any harm that I may have caused. I take responsibility for my behavior, and I am truly sorry."

"I never, ever intended to hurt anyone," he added. "I realize now that even well-intentioned actions may have hurtful impact and consequences. Through the help of professional intervention and treatment, I am at the beginning of a path toward greater self-insight, insight to help me face and truly understand how my actions have violated trust."

In total, there are 38 accusers — all women — who have been working with Into Account, a survivor advocacy group. The New York Times says it interviewed six of the accusers.

Susan Bruhl, 54, told the New York Times that in 1984 on her 18th birthday, Haas — who was the music director for St. Thomas Aquinas in St. Paul Park — took her out for margaritas.

Later, according to Bruhl, Haas told her that "I’ve got a room for us, let’s continue the party, you’re a woman now and this will bring us closer together." Bruhl rejected his advances.

At least 10 dioceses in the U.S. have banned Haas' work from being used at Mass.