Copyright

Most congregations and Lutheran Church of Australia (LCA) agencies use, reproduce, store and distribute copyright-protected material. Some of you create material over which you hold the copyright.

You have a legal and moral responsibility to ensure you are using copyright-protected works with permission and are aware of what works over which your congregation, agency or members could hold copyright.

LCA congregations and agencies do not receive any special provisions under the Australian Copyright Act 1968; breaches can cost thousands of dollars.

The Commission on Worship has curated the copyright information you are most likely to need in your congregations and agencies. The Copyright webpage on the Worship Planning Page contains the most up-to-date information on copyright, with links to booklets and information sheets, including copyright guidelines, which are regularly revised and updated.

The guidelines cover what is covered by copyright and where to obtain permission to use music, DVDs, images and other original published works.