Copyright Licence for Religious Organisations

Religious organisations regularly copy and share published content in worship, study groups, children’s activities and communications with their congregation. This can include articles, extracts from books, activity materials, poems, prayers and online content.

Most literary works are protected by copyright. If your organisation copies or shares material created by others, permission from the copyright owner may be required.

Copy and share content from around the world

One licence covers literary content from millions of Australian and international sources*, including books, journals, newspapers, magazines and online publications.

Our Copyright Licence for Religious Organisations provides permission to copy and share literary content for worship, study groups, children’s groups, religious education and other activities connected with worship or religious instruction. Licence fees are returned to creators and publishers, helping support the creation of new content.

Why you might need a licence
  • using published content in presentations, handouts or worship materials
  • sharing articles or book extracts in study groups or other congregation gatherings
  • photocopying pages from activity or colouring books for children’s groups
  • copying or sharing material from websites, books or other publications

Key benefits to your Religious Organisation

  • Peace of mind

    Help reduce copyright risk when your organisation uses published content

  • Simple annual cover

    One annual licence makes it easier to manage permission for copying and sharing

  • Copy and share content

    Use published material across worship, study groups, religious education and related congregation activities

  • Ease of use

    One licence covers copyright material from millions of sources*

  • Learning and group study

    Enhance religious education, study groups and children's activities with published content

 

Fee Structure

Licence fees for 1 January – 31 December 2027 are:

  • A flat licence fee of $132.15 + GST* for religious organisations with an average weekly attendance of up to 100 attendees.
  • $1.34 + GST* per attendee for religious organisations with an average weekly attendance of over 100.

 

Music and lyrics are not covered

This licence covers literary content. Music and lyrics may require separate permission from providers such as APRA AMCOS, CCLI or OneLicense.

 

Your licence:
  • Use published content across religious activities.
    Copy and share literary works in worship, services, gatherings, study groups and religious education
  • Share content in print and digital formats.
    Use published materials in presentations, handouts, newsletters and electronic communications with your congregation.
  • Save time seeking individual permissions.
    One annual licence fee allows your organisation to copy and share content from millions of sources.
  • Support copyright compliance.
    Help protect your organisation from copyright disputes and associated costs.
  • Reduce copyright risk.
    Protect your reputation and avoid potential litigation expenses.
  • Support creators.
    Licence fees are returned to creators and publishers, helping support the creation of new content.

 

Explore the licence

See what the licence covers and how it can support your organisation’s worship, study groups and other religious activities.

Download the guide

 

Apply for the licence

Download the licence agreement and complete your organisation’s details, average weekly attendance and licence fee. Sign it and email it to licence.enquiries@copyright.com.au. We’ll confirm the details, countersign the agreement and arrange invoicing.

Download the licence agreement

 

Have a question about the licence or need help completing the agreement? Email licence.enquiries@copyright.com.au or send us an enquiry.

 

 

*Terms, conditions, limits and exclusions apply. Licence fees shown are applicable from 1 January 2027 to 31 December 2027. This fact sheet is a guide only. Refer to the licence terms for full details.

For independent information on copyright, please visit:
Australian Copyright Council
Attorney General’s Department