A recent "Risk Alert" published by Church Mutual Insurance Company highlighted the increased number of lawsuits due to copyright infringement by churches.
"According to the United States Copyright Office, copyright is a form of protection grounded in the United States Constitution and granted by law for original literary, musical, dramatic, and artistic works, such as poetry, novels, movies, songs, computer software and architecture," the Alert states.
If your congregation prints, distributes or reproduces in any way a copyrighted song, poem, play, etc. you are breaking copyright laws.
To avoid copyright infringement, purchase licenses from such sources as Sundays and Seasons, Christian Video Licensing Inc. or ASCAP.
Church Mutual published another Alert on this topic. Click here to read the article.
Church Mutual's report specifically highlighted "The Dash," a poem written by Linda M. Ellis. This poem has been used frequently in church settings. If you wish to use this poem, please go to www.lindaellis.net to seek permission before doing so.