Understanding church copyright licences
A friendly guide to help you understand the different types of licences your church might need.
13 June 2024
Navigating copyright requirements in a church setting can be challenging, but it's crucial to ensure your church activities remain compliant. Here’s a friendly guide to help you understand the different types of licences your church might need.
Church Copyright Licence
The Church Copyright Licence allows churches to project or print lyrics and music for worship songs and hymns, create custom musical arrangements, and record services. It's essential for most churches, covering over 24,000 churches in the UK.
Key Features
- Project and print song lyrics.
- Record services for those unable to attend.
- Create custom arrangements when no published version is available.
- Learn more
CCLI Streaming Licences
With the rise of online services, the CCLI Streaming Licence enables churches to stream or webcast their services legally, including live worship. The Streaming Plus Licence adds permission to use master recordings and multitracks.
Key Features
- Stream live or recorded worship services.
- Use master recordings and multitracks with the Streaming Plus Licence.
- Learn more
Music Reproduction Licence
This licence is for photocopying or scanning typeset sheet music, even if the music itself is out of copyright. It also allows digital sharing of sheet music.
Key Features
- Photocopy or scan typeset sheet music.
- Share sheet music digitally with choir or band members.
- Learn more
CLA Church Licence
For churches needing to photocopy non-music publications like study books and drama scripts, the CLA Church Licence provides the necessary permissions.
Key Features
- Photocopy non-music publications legally.
- Ideal for copying study books, journals, and more.
- Learn more
Church Video Licence
This licence covers the public showing of film scenes during services and other church events. It includes films from major studios like Disney, Paramount, and Universal.
Key Features
- Show film scenes to enhance teaching.
- Use films and TV broadcasts for outreach and social activities.
- Learn more
PRS for Music Church Licence
The PRS for Music Church Licence permits the performance of live and recorded music on church premises outside of worship services. This includes events like concerts, social activities, and background music.
Key Features
- Perform live or recorded music at church events.
- Cover social activities, concerts, and background music.
- Learn more
PPL Church Licence
The PPL Church Licence allows churches to play recorded music during various church activities. This includes music played during youth groups, community events, and background music in church cafes.
Key Features
- Play recorded music during church activities.
- Cover youth groups, community events, and background music.
- Learn more
Choosing the right licences ensures your church's activities are legal and respectful of creators' rights. For more detailed information and to purchase licences, visit CCLI's website. With the correct licences in place, you can focus on enriching your congregation's worship experience.
Please note that the Methodist Church does not promote or endorse any paid supplier of church-based activities, and would encourage churches to do their own research before choosing a supplier.