Copyright-Checklist for Churches - Information on Question No. 6

Do you play music in your church?

When talking about the usage of songs in worship services one needs to differentiate between two kinds:

1. Playing music (as a live concert or by playing a CD)
2. Congregational singing (Music is an accompaniment for the singing of the congregation during the worship service)

1.    Playing music

The German copyright law has a special regulation for playing music at church services (See § 52 UrhG):

§ 52 Public Communication (Öffentliche Wiedergabe)
(2) The public communication of a published work shall be permissible at a religious service or a celebration of the churches or religious communities. However, the organizer shall pay the author an equitable remuneration.

That means you don't need the allowance of the copyright owner (author) for church services or celebrations (Baptisms, wedding ceremonies etc).  But the law requires the church to pay a remuneration to the authors of the songs that are being used.

In Germany this is generally done through the WR-K2 of GEMA. Please contact GEMA for enquiries regarding this licence. (e. g. if you are organising concerts with a live band or if you are playing CDs at your church.)

2.    Congregational singing

As long as the music is being used only for the singing of the church congregation or as accompaniment by the organ or other instruments for the congregational singing it is legal. The church must not ask the song owner for permission nor pay a remuneration.

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