After reading recent (and often reoccurring) discussions concerning copyright law and its intersection with religious institutions, I realized that some individuals may have grown overly complacent regarding copyright regulations. It is undeniable that copyright laws can be intricate and multifaceted, and adhering to them correctly necessitates both time and financial resources. It is crucial to recognize that even though there are limited exemptions that religious institutions can employ for certain specific purposes, these exemptions do not provide blanket coverage. It is essential to understand that the Christian Copyright Licensing International (CCLI) license does not encompass every conceivable use.
I pose this question to you: What impact does a negative national headline have on our collective mission? Engaging in knowingly questionable copyright practices not only jeopardizes one’s personal reputation but also places the financial contributions of congregants and the broader church community at risk.
If you are unable to provide a clear answer regarding copyright compliance for every aspect of your in-person and online presence, it is imperative to pause and rectify this situation. If you require assistance in determining the appropriate licensing for your church’s activities, I encourage you to conduct some research independently and seek assistance when necessary. While social media can provide useful information, I often find people providing blatantly incorrect information.
For example, it is crucial not to contribute to the problem by arguing that a particular entity like XYZ would never take legal action against a church. Such statements do not legitimize copyright infringement. Furthermore, the fact that another church engages in similar practices does not necessarily make those practices ethically sound. Some prominent churches, including one beginning with “Flat,” often incorporate secular music into their services, and they likely obtain specific permissions and licenses for these performances because CCLI coverage does not extend to such uses. I can attest that a large church I was affiliated with, starting with the letter “B,” conducted a fundraiser that featured a diverse array of music, both sacred and secular. A close friend was explicitly tasked with managing the licensing for each piece of music involved. Therefore, it is evident that other churches are adhering to copyright regulations correctly. There is a legal avenue for almost any endeavor involving copyrighted material, but ignorance is not an excuse.
Numerous options for “royalty-free” music are readily available for your pre- and post-service activities, as well as for in-service video production. Consequently, there is no justification for appropriating and misusing copyrighted material in your church services. The licenses for such music are often reasonably priced or even free. While it is true that social media platforms may automatically issue copyright notices, providing them with your specific license documentation resolves any issues. I recently encountered this situation when I uploaded two pre-produced videos to YouTube. I received a copyright claim, but after disputing it and supplying the appropriate license documentation, the claim was fully released within less than 24 hours.
In conclusion, upholding copyright laws and compliance within our church is not only a legal obligation but also a moral responsibility. Neglecting these regulations can have far-reaching consequences, potentially damaging the reputation and financial stability of a church. It is vital for religious organizations to prioritize copyright compliance, seek appropriate licenses, and explore royalty-free alternatives to ensure they operate within the bounds of the law while fulfilling their mission.
While doing some follow-up research one website that did a fantastic job of addressing this issue for their denomination was the UCC – you can find their writeup complete with a realistic FAQ section at: https://www.ucc.org/copyright-compliance-basics-for-churches/
Church Production North 