Copyright Permissions for Virtual Worship

from the Mecklenburg Ministries e-newsletter

If you have moved or are moving to virtual worship, be advised that a standard license for congregational songs from OneLicense or CCLI will not cover rights and permissions to live-stream the words or music of copyrighted hymns/songs; a special broadcast/streaming license must be purchased. Additionally, anthems, hymn arrangements, and other musical offerings under copyright are not covered by such licenses. These require further permission to broadcast. For this reason, leaders just beginning to explore live-streaming are advised to select hymns and songs in the public domain and note below the offer from OneLicense:

        As the COVID-19 Coronavirus outbreak continues to unfold, ONE LICENSE—together with hundreds of our Member Publishers—is honored to assist worshipping communities worldwide during this extraordinary time. We are able to provide two different gratis license options valid through April 15, 2020.

        A ONE LICENSE Reprint License grants churches, schools, religious communities, retreat centers, and other worshiping bodies permission to reprint or project music for their congregations from any of our Member Publishers. A ONE LICENSE Podcast / Streaming License grants permission to podcast or stream religious services that contain music from our Member Publishers. For new customers or for existing customers who do not already have a Podcast / Streaming License, ONE LICENSE is able to offer a one-month gratis license, valid through April 15, 2020.

        Additionally, our team has launched a blog post with helpful tips on navigating community worship during this extraordinary time. This post aims to educate our License Holders on the benefits of using projection screens, tablets, and other personal devices to limit the use of shared worship materials.

        If you are brand new to the ONE LICENSE service and would like to take advantage of the one-month gratis Reprint License, please sign up for an account at https://onelicense.net and use code “CRVS20” at checkout. All fees will be waived.

        If you already have an Annual Reprint License and would like to add a Podcast/Streaming License in this season, you can do so by logging in and visiting the “Licenses” tab under “My Account.” Email us at info@onelicense.net with your license number, business address, and the code “CRVS20” for redemption.