Missouri bishop lifts ban on “All Are Welcome” and other hymns and calls for synodal process on issue

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (OSV News) – Jefferson City Bishop W. Sean McKnight issued a new order on Nov. 5 regarding the use of hymns in the liturgy, outlining the synod’s approach to the issue—an approach based on listening and communication. discernment is necessary, he said.

The new decree replaces a previous one that banned certain songs and composers and has sparked lively debate, including on social media, as well as stories and opinions shared by some Catholic media outlets outside the diocese.

On the list in the original decree there were 12 specific hymns that were deemed “doctrinal problematic” by the Committee on Doctrine of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops: “All Are Welcome” by Marty Haugen; “Ashes” by Tom Conry; “Bread of Life” by Bernadette Farrell; “Celtic Hallelujah: The Send Forward” by Christopher Walker and Fintan O’Carroll; “Covenant Anthem” by Rory Cooney and Gary Daigle; For the Healing of the Nations by Fred Caan, John Wade and Randall DeBruyn; God Has Chosen Me by Bernadette Farrell; “Hallelujah! We Sing Your Praises,” an anonymous South African composition; “Led by the Spirit” by Bob Heard; “The Many and the Great” by Paulista Father Ricky Manalo; “The Table of Abundance” by Dan Schutte; and “Three Days” by Dr. Ridge and Casey McKinley.

In the policy promulgated by the new decree, the bishop established a set of general conditions for the celebration of Masses for use by all diocesan parishes. Like the previous order, it also prohibits the use of anthems by composers who have been found credibly accused of sexual assault.

In addition, the diocese will open a conversation about the possibility of phasing out certain songs that may be inappropriate for Catholic liturgies, using criteria set by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.

He also inaugurated a year-long consultation process on how best to use sacred music to encourage active participation in the liturgy.

The book, Suggested Masses and Prohibited Hymns, dated October 24 and distributed October 28, was published after many years of research by the Diocesan Liturgical Commission and with the participation of the Presbyteral Council. Its purpose was to promote active participation of the laity in the liturgy by providing general terms for the Mass to be sung by the whole congregation at diocesan liturgies, but it is now clear that a truly synodal process of wider consultation did not occur until its promulgation, according to Bishop McKnight.

“It is inspiring to see such passion and enthusiasm for the music that enlivens our Catholic liturgies. Whenever we see such fervor among the faithful, our church gives us the ideal way to respond—a synodal response,” Bishop McKnight said.

“Rather than the faithful remaining on the sidelines as commentators on the decision, their only response being either obedience or disobedience, it is better to invite everyone in our diocese to the process of discernment,” he continued. “The Holy Spirit works through each of us. When God’s people speak, we have a responsibility to open ourselves to listen, even if it means changing course and trying a different approach.”

In the new order, Bishop McKnight stated that “the previously promulgated ‘Proposed Masses and Prohibited Hymns’ are hereby rescinded and replaced” by the November 5 document.

Bishop McKnight’s new policy challenges the Diocesan Liturgical Commission to gather feedback from musicians, music ministers and others who have insight into the music used in liturgies throughout the diocese.

In addition, the diocese will open a conversation about the possibility of phasing out certain songs that may be inappropriate for Catholic liturgies, using criteria established by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Doctrine in selecting appropriate songs for the liturgy. In addition to doctrinal considerations, this guidance encourages sensitivity to language that may be disrespectful to other religions.

Like the previous order, Bishop McKnight’s new order prohibits the use of music by composers who have been credibly accused of sexual abuse, including David Haas, the late Father Cesareo Gabarain and Ed Conlin. Similar bans are already in place in a number of US dioceses, and charges against all three composers have emerged over the past few years.

The first priority is to identify settings of the Mass that can be sung and taught in parishes throughout the diocese. When the setting of the Mass is familiar, it is easier for the faithful to actively participate in diocesan liturgies and other liturgies outside their parishes.

The new policy starts with four mass settings, with the possibility of revising or adding to these four settings following further consultation and analysis. The four initial settings include the traditional “Song Mass”; “Mass of St. Frances Cabrini” by Kevin Keil; The Mass of Creation Revisited by Marty Haugen; and for Spanish-speaking communities, the bilingual book Misa del Pueblo Inculturale (Mass of Immigrants) by Bob Hurd.

“This is a step toward developing a common repertoire that we see helps the church grow in unity and fellowship,” said Father Daniel Mertz, pastor of St. Thomas More Newman Center Parish and Sacred Heart Parish in Columbia and chairman of the Diocesan Liturgical Commission .

“People like to travel and visit other Catholic churches in the diocese and beyond,” he told The Catholic Missourian, Jefferson City’s diocesan newspaper. “They appreciate that Mass is celebrated in a varied and familiar environment wherever they are.

“Music is a very important part of this,” Father Mertz said.

He emphasized that parishes are not limited to four services.

“We’re just saying, ‘Please look into this,'” he said.
He said the inclusion of a bilingual Mass welcomes the growing number of Latino Catholics in the diocese for whom Spanish is their first language.

“It’s all about providing good leadership and direction,” Father Mertz said. “We want to use good music in our liturgies because we understand that music is a very important part of how we worship God and communicate the faith.”

The Catholic Church has a long and wonderful tradition of music and singing in the liturgy, and of evaluating hymns according to pastoral, doctrinal, aesthetic and liturgical criteria.

An important part of the doctrinal criteria contributes to a fuller understanding of the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist.

“The concern is that many of the songs we sing exaggerate one dimension of the Eucharist,” Father Merz said.

For example, he referred to his emphasis on the communal and social aspects of the Eucharist, without also giving due attention to Christ’s sacrifice and the Real Presence, as well as the need for constant conversion among each communicant.

“It’s about the Great Commandment,” he said. “Love God first, and this will enable you to love your neighbor. When we get the first part right, the second part will follow.”

Comments will be collected by August 1, 2025. The new policy directs the diocesan liturgical commission to invite the diocesan chapter of the National Association of Pastoral Musicians to assist in advising parish ministers throughout the diocese. This input will then be forwarded to the Diocesan Pastoral Council and Presbyteral Council for discussion and advice to Bishop McKnight regarding current policy and what further steps should be taken.

“I am excited to move forward with an open mind and an open heart,” Bishop McKnight said. “Music is a very important part of who we are as Catholics. The act of singing is very personal, helping us to understand the mystery of Christ and the church. I look forward to hearing from everyone through the synodal process of listening carefully as we embark on this process together.

“Let us use this time to ensure that we hear the Holy Spirit in all voices as we work to ensure that our approach to sacred music becomes a cause for unity throughout the Diocese of Jefferson City.”