From Tim O’Malley, Director of Ministerial Standards and Safe Environment: 

Since my June 16, 2020 statement, the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis has 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. The conduct described in these new, independent reports is similar in nature to the conduct described in previous allegations. Haas has denied any wrongdoing.

We are sharing this information in the interest of accountability and transparency and believe that it may assist others, as it has assisted us, in making informed decisions. Survivors of sexual harassment and abuse deserve support and understanding. Indeed, our community as a whole has suffered much from those who have used positions of power or privilege to harm others. We have a responsibility to be mindful of this and do what we can to prevent further injury to those who have already suffered harm.

Therefore, Archbishop Hebda has decided that David Haas may not give presentations at workshops, concerts, or similar events hosted by the Archdiocese, parishes, Catholic schools, or other Catholic institutions in the Archdiocese. Likewise, the Archdiocese will not use Haas’ compositions at Archdiocesan Masses and other Archdiocesan events. Also, the Archbishop has encouraged pastors, principals, and leaders of other Catholic institutions to consider the sensitivities involved with using Haas’ music in liturgies or other parish or school events, and to take appropriate steps to fully support those who have been harmed by sexual assault or abuse.

The Archdiocese stands by its commitment to promote and maintain safe environments. Everyone deserves to be free from sexual harassment and abuse. If you have information of possible criminal behavior, we encourage you to contact law enforcement. If you have concerns about improper conduct at a parish or school, please report those concerns to the parish, school, or the Archdiocese. I may be contacted at omalleyt@archspm.org or 651-290-1618. The Archdiocesan ombudsperson, Victoria Johnson, may also be contacted to provide assistance in making a report. Johnson can be contacted directly at victorianewcomejohnson@gmail.com or 612-990-0022. The ombudsperson acts as an outside resource for individuals having questions or concerns about clerical sexual abuse or other misconduct within the Archdiocese, and is entirely independent of the Archdiocese.