Diocese of Jefferson City Launches Yearlong Consultation on Sacred Music
In an effort to foster unity and enhance participation in the liturgy, the Diocese of Jefferson City in Missouri has begun a yearlong consultation process on sacred music.
This initiative follows a controversial decision last fall where Bishop W. Shawn McKnight issued a decree banning certain hymns from Mass, sparking significant debate both within the diocese and beyond.
The Bishop’s Vision for Sacred Music
In a letter sent out in late January, Bishop McKnight shared the intention behind this new process.
The goal is to draft a permanent decree on sacred music that aligns with the Second Vatican Council’s principles, specifically the Sacrosanctum Concilium document, which emphasizes the importance of sacred music in worship.
“I hope that everyone in our diocese feels encouraged to participate in the sacred music of our Masses and liturgies.
However, I recognize there can be obstacles—such as unfamiliar songs or music in foreign languages—that make this difficult,” Bishop McKnight explained.
He also noted that music by composers with credible accusations of abuse poses an additional challenge, especially for survivors of abuse, and affects how the community engages with the liturgy.
The bishop emphasized that the doctrinal suitability of hymns was equally important.
“Music has a unique power to shape our understanding of the faith,” he said, stressing the need for lyrics that are not only beautiful but also deeply theological and reflective of Catholic teachings.
A Collaborative Process
The diocese is encouraging members of the Jefferson City community to contribute their voices to this important conversation.
Catholics are invited to participate by completing an online survey conducted by the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate (CARA) and attending listening sessions that will begin on February 15.
The input gathered will help the diocesan Liturgical Commission craft a new, updated decree on sacred music.
Bishop McKnight also expressed his belief in the power of the Holy Spirit guiding the faithful.
“It is essential that we listen to one another through honest dialogue, exploring these challenging issues together,” he wrote, inviting everyone to share their thoughts and prayers throughout the process.
The Background to the Consultation
This initiative comes after a decree issued last October, where Bishop McKnight prohibited the use of certain contemporary hymns and composers due to concerns about their theological alignment and allegations of sexual abuse against some composers.
Among the hymns banned were popular songs like “All Are Welcome” by Marty Haugen and “Table of Plenty” by Dan Schutte, as well as music by composers such as David Haas, who faced credible abuse accusations.
The decree was partly inspired by a 2020 set of guidelines from the U.S. bishops called Catholic Hymnody at the Service of the Church, which advises that hymns sung in Mass should accurately convey Catholic beliefs, especially regarding the Eucharist.
A Response to the Debate
After the initial decree led to intense debate both within the diocese and across the nation, Bishop McKnight recognized the need for a more inclusive and synodal process.
He acknowledged that the original decree had not included enough consultation and dialogue before its release, leading to a broader conversation about sacred music in the Church.
“It was inspiring to see the passion people brought to the conversation,” McKnight said, encouraging continued engagement in the process.
Following Pope Francis’ call for synodality, Bishop McKnight committed to a more comprehensive process that would gather feedback from a wide range of voices, including music ministers and the broader Catholic community.
The diocesan Liturgical Commission is tasked with gathering input until August 2025.
Moving Forward with Unity
Bishop McKnight concluded by expressing confidence that, guided by the Holy Spirit, the consultation process will help the diocese ensure that sacred music continues to serve as a unifying force within the Church.
“Together, we can ensure that our sacred music remains a source of unity, deepening our faith and bringing us closer to the sacred mysteries of the liturgy,” he said.