‘We continue to move forward with an open mind and an open heart’

Just days later enforcement of an official ban A Missouri bishop rescinded his original decree regarding a dozen “doctrinally problematic” hymns and instead launched a yearlong consultation process to determine how sacred music could best be used to encourage active participation in liturgy.

in it original decree, Bishop W. Shawn McKnight of the Diocese of Jefferson City on Oct. 24 listed a dozen commonly used contemporary hymns that will be “absolutely banned” in the diocese after Nov. 1.

The following songs were included in the list: Everyone Welcome Written by: Marty Haugen, God Chose Me By Bernadette Farrell led by spirit by Bob Hurd and Abundance Table By Dan Schutte.

Acknowledging the “lively debate” over his decree on social media and various media outlets, Bishop McKnight wrote in his subsequent decision on November 5: “It is now clear that a truly synodal process of wider consultation did not occur prior to this decision.” publication.”

Drawing attention to Pope Francis’ emphasis “synodality” – Pope’s call for the entire Church, including lay people, to seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit collaboratively through prayer, listening, dialogue and openness – Bishop McKnight wrote that he ordered “a more comprehensive consultation with relevant parties in the diocese” ” is about sacred music.

The original decree was the result of a years-long research effort that included consultations with priests serving in the diocese, including the diocesan vicar and chairman of the diocesan liturgy commission.

While stating that “it is important to recognize that some hymns in the current distribution may not be suitable for use in Catholic liturgies.” new decree it does not contain the proper names of any of the previously banned hymns.

Instead it turns out six criteria Here’s what priests and liturgical ministers should consider when determining whether a song is appropriate for the liturgy, from the U.S. bishops’ Committee on Doctrine.

In particular, Bishop McKnight said, “It is vital that we ensure that the greatest care is taken to prevent scandal from overshadowing the beautiful celebration of the Eucharist.”

The new decree also maintains a diocesan ban on the use of any music composed by individuals “who have been determined by the diocesan bishop or competent authority to be credibly accused of sexual abuse.” David Haas, Cesareo Gabarain And Ed Conlin.

The new decree, echoing the previous decree, also lays out four approved Mass media for use in the diocese – three bilingual in English and one in Spanish – which each congregation must “recognise”, although congregations must be “familiar” for the sake of unity. You don’t have to explicitly use them.

These include Kevin Keil’s “Hymn Service,” the “St. Frances Cabrini Mass,” Marty Haugen’s “Recast Creation Rite,” and bilingual ones for Spanish-speaking congregations. Misa del Pueblo Immigrants (“The Mass of Immigrant People”) by Bob Hurd.

According to the draft story Catholic Missourian, Shared with CNA by the diocese before publication, Bishop McKnight charged the diocesan liturgy commission with collecting feedback by August 2025 from musicians, music ministers and “anyone who has a perspective on the music used in liturgy throughout the diocese.”

The liturgical commission will gather feedback and present a report to the diocesan pastoral council and presbyteral council, which will make recommendations to Bishop McKnight, who will then make decisions on liturgical music policies for the diocese.

The process will also involve leaders of the diocese. National Association of Pastoral Musicians, A membership organization for Catholic music ministers.

“It is inspiring to see so much passion and enthusiasm for the music that enlivens our Catholic services. When we see this kind of enthusiasm among believers, our Church offers us an excellent way to respond; a synodal response,” Bishop McKnight said. From Missouri.

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

Both of Bishop McKnight’s decrees are based on a 2020 set of guidelines from the U.S. bishops: “Catholic Hymn in the Service of the ChurchIt lays out the above-mentioned criteria for evaluating whether the hymns sung at Mass accurately convey the truths that Catholics believe.

Highlighting the formative power of music and its impact on Catholics’ understanding and practice of the faith, this document warns that hymns containing faulty or incomplete theology can lead to distorted understandings of fundamental teachings, especially the Bible. The Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist.

The bishops’ six criteria for hymns, categories of potential deficiencies, include: Presentation of Eucharistic doctrine; Presentation of the doctrine of the Trinity; Presentation of the teachings of God and his relationship with people; Presenting a perspective that sees the Church as essentially a human construct; presenting doctrinally incorrect views of the Jewish people; and a false presentation of Christian anthropology.

“I am excited to move forward with an open mind and an open heart,” Bishop McKnight said. From Missouri.

“Music is a very important part of who we are as Catholics. … I look forward to hearing from everyone in the synodal deep listening process as we begin this process together.”