Question: Many of our hymns are exclusively Catholic, but I think I am correct in saying that hymns of other mainstream denominations are also sung. However, should Hillsong worship hymns be included in our liturgy?
Answer: First, let’s look at what Hillsong is. It is a Pentecostal grouping that originated in Australia in 1983. It broke away from the Assemblies of God in 2018 and spread rapidly. It is now also operating in South Africa, Kenya and Nigeria, and is present on every continent. It has been called “a global corporate brand” — apparently a compliment in today’s market economy!
Hillsong builds megachurches which draw suburban people with plenty of money. Members tend to be more conservative than mainstream western culture, especially on moral issues, and so have found favour with certain politicians and many Christians who are searching for quick “right-or-wrong” answers. Young people have been attracted due to the involvement of celebrities like Justin Bieber and the Kardashians, and by the popstar image of some pastors, one of whom regularly preached while wearing a biker jacket. Pastors do not always cope well when becoming rich and famous overnight. Several have admitted to marital infidelity and have been accused of running a moneymaking machine.
Like many new Christian groups, Hillsong has no theology besides its pastors’ own interpretation of the scriptures. When journalists question them on specific issues, their answers are often vague, with no depth of learning.
The music of Hillsong
The music that has come out of this movement falls into the category we might call “Praise and Worship”. With its songs available online and in Christian stores, Hillsong Music is a multimillion-dollar industry in its own right. Titles like “The Power Of Your Love”, and “Shout To The Lord” are sung in many English-speaking Catholic parishes in South Africa. These songs have caught on due to their emotional “feel-good” lyrics and their catchy or love-ballad melodies. Since music is a matter of taste, I will not criticise the tunes, but personally, I find many of the lyrics vapid, repetitive, and without liturgical merit.
Singing love songs to Jesus might stand in the tradition of the Song of Songs and St John of the Cross, but the lyrics of Hillsong and other “born-again” groups are often sentimental and individualistic.
Catholic liturgical music should be collective (about God gathering us together, not “Me and my Jesus”). It should speak about our mission in the service of others, and it must be in tune with the shape of the Mass — gathering together, receiving the Word, bringing our gifts to God, Christ’s gift of self in Holy Communion, being sent out.
Catholic liturgical music can vary in style, but it should be used appropriately to the particular liturgy. It should stand as an accompaniment to the readings and suit the ritual or sacrament is being celebrated. Apart from being theologically aligned with the Catholic faith and conforming to the Church’s liturgical norms, hymns should also facilitate the active participation by the congregation.
Plenty of good liturgical music is being written today across the English-speaking world, and there is South African talent making its contribution to the Catholic tradition too.
Answered by Fr Thomas Plastow SJ
Published in the February 2026 issue of The Southern Cross Magazine
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