"Are we worshiping Bono? Absolutely not. No more so than we worship Martin Luther when we sing A Mighty Fortress Is Our God."--Paige Blair, an Episcopal priest in Maine, who uses U2 songs for worship music.
This story has run worldwide, and interestingly, several renditions of the piece make it seem as if using secular music in worship is a brand new phenomenon. It isn't new, but I don't think it's widespread, either. I bet the media coverage will result in more churches using mainstream music in their services.
Side note: In 2003, Sparrow Records, a Christian label, released In the Name of Love. The album contains 13 covers of U2 songs by various top Christian contemporary artists including Jars of Clay, Delirious?, Sixpence None the Richer, Tobymac, and Chris Tomlin. The album was created as a fundraiser for World Vision, specifically to fund its AIDS programs in Africa.MORE:
Episcopal 'U2-charist' Uses Songs in Service
Worshiping God to Secular Tunes: How Hoobastank Takes Me to the Throne
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