The Mass for Many Nations was commissioned by Christ Church Cathedral in Vancouver, B.C. as a memorial to two members of its community and in honor of the ministry of their newly appointed Dean. In keeping with their belief that all are welcome in this place, music at the cathedral promotes an openness in the use of various styles and traditions. In an attempt to weave this philosophy into a Mass setting, Lang has set each movement to reflect a separate aspect of the global community - Yabban, Yamman representing Hebrew influences.