Projecting Words: Church's Legal Right To Screen Messages

Churches have started to use screens to display lyrics, Bible verses, announcement slides, and sermon points. However, there are several laws and guidelines that churches must follow when using screens. For example, the United States Conference of Bishops (USCCB) does not allow the projection of Scripture readings and presidential prayers of the liturgy. Additionally, copyright laws must be considered when projecting images, music, and texts. Churches must also be mindful of the potential for screens to distract or interfere with the worship experience.

Copyright laws

In the context of liturgical celebrations, there are additional considerations. The United States Conference of Bishops (USCCB) has instructed parishes not to project Scripture readings or presidential prayers of the liturgy, citing liturgical reasons rather than legal ones. However, during the pandemic, some churches used screens to project liturgical responses and music for the assembly to recite or sing together when singing was prohibited in certain places.

It is important to note that copyright laws do not restrict all uses of copyrighted material. The "fair use" doctrine allows limited uses of copyrighted material without the creator's permission. This includes borrowing, quoting, or paraphrasing portions of copyrighted works for purposes such as criticism, commentary, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, or research. However, even with fair use, it is essential to consider the purpose and character of the intended use and whether it potentially impairs the market for the original work.

Liturgical reasons

The use of screens in churches has become more common, especially in recent times. While some churches have been designed with screens, others have had to set them up due to the pandemic. Screens can be used to display lyrics for songs, Bible verses, announcement slides, and sermon points. They can also be used to display thematic images to support homilies and prayers.

However, there are liturgical reasons to consider when deciding whether to project words on screens in a church. Firstly, the United States Conference of Bishops (USCCB) has instructed that Scripture readings and presidential prayers of the liturgy should not be projected on screens. They argue that there is a spiritual dimension to ink on paper, and that liturgical books and missals mediate God's word in a way that screens cannot. The lector lifting the reading off the page and the priest making the prayer on the page are seen as integral parts of the liturgical experience.

Additionally, copyright laws must be considered when projecting words or images on screens in a church. Many translations of the Bible are copyright-protected, and using them without proper licensing could result in legal consequences. Similarly, when projecting song lyrics, it is important to follow the guidelines set by Christian Copyright Licensing International (CCLI) to ensure that worship artists are properly compensated for their work. Failing to comply with copyright laws can result in astronomical fines and penalties.

While screens can be beneficial in enhancing the worship experience, it is crucial to respect the liturgical traditions and copyright laws surrounding the projection of words and images in a church setting.

First-amendment-protected guidelines

The First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, passed by Congress on September 25, 1789, and ratified on December 15, 1791, guarantees freedom of speech, freedom of the press, and freedom of religion. The Fourteenth Amendment further protects these rights from interference by state governments.

The freedom of speech is the most basic component of freedom of expression and may be exercised directly (through words) or symbolically (through actions). The freedom of the press allows individuals to express themselves through publication and dissemination. The freedom of religion is protected by two clauses in the First Amendment: the Establishment Clause and the Free Exercise Clause. The Establishment Clause prohibits the government from establishing an official religion or preferring one religion over another, thus enforcing the "separation of church and state." The Free Exercise Clause prohibits the government from interfering with an individual's practice of their religion.

These First Amendment protections apply to churches projecting words or images on screens, as long as the content does not fall into specific unprotected categories of speech. These categories include obscenity, child pornography, defamatory speech, false advertising, true threats, and fighting words. Additionally, copyright laws must be considered when projecting words or images onto screens in churches.

Churches should obtain the necessary permissions and licenses to ensure they are complying with copyright regulations. This includes obtaining licenses for projecting lyrics outside of hymns, as this is an industry standard that ensures worship artists are properly compensated for their work. While the Catholic Church has allowed the use of print material during services, they have generally instructed parishes not to project Scripture readings or presidential prayers of the liturgy onto screens, citing liturgical reasons rather than legal or copyright concerns.

The spoken word vs. print

The spoken word and print are two sides of the same coin in the realm of communication. Each has its unique characteristics and plays a significant role in how we interact and convey information.

The spoken word has a long history, dating back to ancient times when societies relied primarily on oral traditions for knowledge transfer, poetry, and storytelling. Oral traditions were particularly prominent in ancient Greece, where inducements were offered to those who could memorise and effectively communicate cultural treasures through spoken word. Spoken word poetry, with its emphasis on euphony and onomatopoeia, appeals to the ear and is designed to be heard and shared aloud. Notable figures like Robert Pinsky have emphasised the importance of reading poetry aloud, as it gives life to the words and allows the speaker to manipulate sounds and intonations to convey meaning.

Spoken word has also played a pivotal role in social movements, such as the Civil Rights Movement, with influential speeches like Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" and Sojourner Truth's "Ain't I a Woman?" incorporating elements of oration that left a lasting impact. Additionally, the Harlem Renaissance, blues, and the Beat Generation of the 1960s influenced spoken-word poetry within the African-American community, further showcasing the power of the spoken word in social and cultural contexts.

On the other hand, print offers a different dimension to communication. It provides permanence and allows for reflection and analysis. When we read, we engage in print-to-speech skills, decoding written words into speech sounds and blending them to comprehend the text. Print enables us to revisit ideas, analyse nuances, and interpret the author's intent. It is particularly useful for complex or lengthy information that may be challenging to convey or remember solely through spoken word.

In recent times, with the advent of technology, print has taken on a new form through digital screens and projections. This has sparked discussions within religious institutions, such as the Catholic Church, about whether to project scriptures and liturgical texts during services. Some argue that screens can enhance the experience, especially in places where singing is prohibited, by projecting texts for recitation and well-loved liturgical music. However, others believe that projecting texts can interfere with the spiritual dimension of ink on paper and that liturgical books should be treated with reverence.

Furthermore, copyright laws and licensing regulations have presented challenges for churches considering the use of projection screens. While copyright laws aim to protect artists and ensure proper compensation, they can sometimes hinder modernisation efforts within religious institutions.

In conclusion, both the spoken word and print have their advantages and purposes. The spoken word is immediate, expressive, and engaging, allowing for intonation and emphasis to convey meaning. Print, on the other hand, offers permanence, reflection, and the ability to analyse and interpret. Ultimately, both modes of communication are essential and complementary, each serving distinct functions in our society.

The use of images

In the Gospel of John, Jesus stated that because his disciples had seen him, they had seen God the Father (Gospel of John 14:7-9). Paul of Tarsus referred to Jesus as the "image of the invisible God" (Colossians 1:15). Theologians such as John of Damascus argued that the connection between Jesus' incarnation and the use of images is so strong that to reject or prohibit the use of images is tantamount to denying the Incarnation of Jesus.

However, concern over idolatry is the driving force behind the various traditions of aniconism in Christianity. Many writings by Church fathers contain strong denunciations of idol-worship. The church father John of Damascus argued "that God's taking on human form sanctified the human image, noting that the humanity of Christ formed an image of God; therefore, artists could use human images to depict the incarnate Word as well as human saints."

In the eighth century, the Frankish bishops were unable to understand how the Eastern Christians' use of images seemed degrading and servile to the Germans. This led to the Iconoclast outbreak, during which many precious sacred art pieces were destroyed. However, in 787 AD, the Council of Nicea II declared that Christians could use pictures and statues, and this was reiterated in the Council of Constantinople IV in 869-870 AD. Despite these rulings, the controversy did not die down, and the Western Church preserved the custom of using both pictures and statues, while the Eastern Churches only used pictures (icons).

Today, the use of images in churches continues to be a topic of discussion. Some parishes are exploring the use of projected visual arts during liturgical celebrations to support their homilies and prayers. However, copyright laws and concerns about distraction have prevented some churches from projecting images onto screens.

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