Copyright
Some congregations create material over which they 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 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.
Copyright Guidelines for Australian Lutheran Congregations and Agencies
Produced by LCA Commission on Worship and LCA Communications; under regular review and revision.
December 2023
*These guidelines may not necessarily apply to New Zealand congregations and agencies. New Zealand congregations and agencies should be familiar with the New Zealand Copyright Act 1994 http://www.copyright.org.nz/
Overview
- Most congregations and LCA agencies use, reproduce, store and distribute copyright-protected material.
- Some create material over which they hold copyright.
- Lutheran Church of Australia (LCA) congregations and agencies do not receive any special provisions under the Copyright Act 1968.
- Each congregation and agency have a legal and moral responsibility to ensure they are using copyright-protected works with permission and are aware of what works the agency, congregation or its members could hold copyright over.
- Congregations and agencies should know their copyright obligations. Breaches of the Copyright Act 1968 can cost thousands of dollars.
- Congregations should always include an acknowledgement with any copyrighted material indicating the details of the copyright holder and where the material was sourced. It is good practice to acknowledge sources even if the material is in the public domain so that anyone accessing it feels confident that it is being used legally.
FAQ
Obtaining permission
Producing copyright material
Your congregation or agency may consider registering for representation with a copyright agency if it is regularly devising, producing and presenting its own copyright material. It is worth protecting your work and perhaps producing an income stream for your local mission work. Contact LCA Communications for more information.
Disclaimer
Copyright legislation is complex, complicated and constantly changing. This page provides guidelines only, as accurate and up-to-date as we are able to determine. These guidelines do not replace sound legal advice, which should be sought with respect to specific copyright legislation.
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