Reproducing Song Words at Church

Licence: Church Copyright Licence (CCL)

Do you print song sheets, make OHP acetates or store song lyrics on a computer for use with projection systems?

If so, you must first ensure that you have obtained permission from the copyright owner.

However, the prospect of contacting copyright owners each and every time you wish to reproduce one of their songs can be daunting. It was for this reason that CCLI introduced the Church Copyright Licence (CCL), ensuring that copyright owners are properly rewarded for the use of their work and giving churches the freedom to use songs without the inconvenience of having to contact many different copyright owners.   

 With the CCL you can: 

• Type song words into your computer and store* them for later use.
• Include song words on service sheets and handouts for your congregation.
• Create your own OHP acetates.
• Create your own song words database for use with projection software.

Over 37,000 churches and schools in Europe now hold a CCL, making it one of the most widely used worship resources of today.

* Some publishers now provide song words on CD-Roms. Please refer to the additional information they provide since you may need a CCL to store them on your computer.

Publishers:

The number of publishers covered by this licence increases continually. Click here to view the list.

Photocopying?

If you would also like to photocopy words and/or music directly from authorised publications you probably need the additional Music Reproduction Licence (MRL).  Contact a member of our Sales Team on 01323 436103 for more information.

Licence Fees:

Licence fees are based on the average aggregate attendance at your main service.

See the fees for all our licences.

If you already hold a licence from CCLI, any additional licences you purchase will be charged a a pro-rated price in order to match the expiry date of your existing licence(s). Contact us for pro-rated price.

Using your CCL:

• Copyright lines - Each time you reproduce words you must include the following information underneath the song.
  [author], © [year, owner], [your licence number] eg.
  Fred Smiley, © 2007 Happy Music Ltd., CCL Licence No. 123456

If you have made a service sheet/book, you only need to include author, date and owner details underneath each song with the following acknowledgement somewhere in the sheet/book.

All songs covered by CCLI have been reproduced under the CCL Licence No. [your licence number].

• Reporting - Under the Terms of Agreement of your licence you are also required to report which song lyrics you reproduce. Click here for CopyReport.

• Contact Details - As your licence is held by your church you are required to provide CCLI with contact details so we can contact you with updates to your licence.

Not sure which licences you need?

Check the Quick Guide Licence Table 

Links to: Licence Fees / Apply Now / SongSelect / Create / FAQs / Terms of Agreement