• Hymnal books are often used during praise and worship services.Songs of Praise image by NICS Escapee from Fotolia.com
  
  Under the United States copyright law established by Congress and reconstituted in 1976, creators of music are protected from the unauthorized reproduction, creation, distribution, performance or display of their work. Among the prime users of copyrighted music are churches, who often include such music in their praise and worship services. However, before singing a song or playing a recording, it is imperative that church congregations observe federal copyright laws regarding the use of music during their services.
  
  

Public Performance of Songs

• The public performance of all music in the United States is governed by three performing rights agencies: ASCAP, BMI and SESAC. Thus, churches typically receive licenses from any one of these organizations. Licensing fees depend on the size of the church or the regular attendance numbers. Yearly licenses can be as low as $184. Churches must have public performance licenses for any songs that are not in the public domain before performing them live. (Hymns sung from hymnal books are usually public domain songs). Public domain refers to songs on which copyrights have expired. Examples include "Amazing Grace" and "Holy, Holy, Holy." Public performance licenses for praise and worship services also permit the audio or video recording of songs.
  
  

Playing Recordings

• As with public performance licenses, ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC grants licenses for the playing of recorded music during praise and worship services. Though churches, unlike radio stations, are exempt from paying royalties for the playing of recordings during services, a license is still required. However, recorded music that is played at praise and worship services held at picnics, conferences or concerts does require the payment of royalties. Smaller churches, with congregations of less than 200 people, may pay as little as $200 for a license, while large churches with congregations above 15,000 pay more than $2,000 for the same license.
  
  

Webcasting Licenses

• Many modern day churches webcast their services, which includes the praise and worship segment. Because of this, ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC have partnered with companies such as WorshipCast to provide churches with webcasting licenses. Webcasting licenses allow churches to stream songs performed by singers and musicians of the church. However, a public performance license is also needed in this instance. Webcasting licenses also allow churches to stream recorded songs for listening. For instance, WorshipCast has a database of already published songs that may be streamed. The license does not permit the streaming of downloaded music, such as MP3's.