Sharing church service recordings legal?
Question:
Most of the stuff I find on the web is sermon only...
Our pastor asked around and was told legal issues were never really considered in other churches.
Answer:
Congratulations on the growth of your church, good luck with that! Be certain that you've obtained permission from the copyright holders of any music you sing (if you've got sheet music they should be easy to find). Another thing to be aware of, is libel and slander. Many preachers like to include pop culture references to celebrities and brand names- make sure that your Pastor understands that anything he says disparagingly can come back to him. That doesn't mean he shouldn't speak freely, just encourage him to excercise wisdom, and choose his words. Maybe your pastor already does that, but I know a lot of preachers who'd get in trouble if they suddenly found themselves on television. Other than that, it sounds like you've got your bases covered. Once again, good luck to you guys!
since you're definitely not making any money from it and a lot of judges will throw out cases against chruches--
you should be fine.
the legal term is "fair use"--i'm quite sure that a church sermon totally applies.
aside from the issues you discussed, the only other issue you need to concern yourself with is the taping without permission of third-parties.
However, in this instance, in a public place, there is no expectation of privacy in effect therefore, no legal issue. I would however, suggest that a notice run in each sunday's anouncements notifying the congregation of the taping and having it rebroadcast on local television as a courtesy.
JUST TO CLARIFY:
Unless the pastor is using a sermon from someone else, copyright is held by the writer with express permission to use as they see fit.
If the pastor is using a sermon written by another priest / pastor, he needs to obtain permission from that person/church. This does NOT fall under fair-use.
More Questions & Answers...