Dr. Rosephanye Powell + Indiana Bible College Copyright Claim

Описание: From Pastor C.L. Grear,Senior Pastor of One Church Baytown
Seminarian, Virginia Union University
Berklee College of Music – Completed coursework includes “Copyright Law”

Let me be clear: What Indiana Bible College did with “John 1” is more than just a copyright issue. It’s a justice issue. Dr. Rosephanye Powell, a brilliant Black composer, had her work copied, altered, and performed without permission. That’s infringement and plagiarism.

As someone trained in music, a producer to GRAMMY winning gospel artists, a student of theology on the back half of a Master of Divinity pursuit, Voting Member of The Recording Academy, and studied musical copyright law in my undergraduate years, I can say plainly: minor changes don’t make it legal. And performance without permission isn’t ministry. It’s theft. “It’s not the same” has nothing to do with the argument of similarity in the world of copyright law. Any work based on or adapted from a copyrighted original (even with changes) is called a derivative work. These require explicit written permission from the original copyright holder. So even if IBC didn’t perform Dr. Powell’s piece note-for-note, if their version draws heavily from her composition (which it appears to), they’re still legally required to get her permission.

What’s worse is the tone of some responses: The notion that Dr. Powell should feel grateful that this institution somehow “popularized" her work is not just patronizing but it highlights roots in a long history of Black artists being denied credit, agency, and compensation, while others profit from their creativity. Too often, institutions, UPCI included, embrace Black sound, Black spirit, and Black creativity while failing to honor Black people.

Many churches, choirs, and Christian colleges in these spaces have long benefited from Black gospel traditions: rhythms, harmonies, call-and-response styles, and expressive worship without honoring the communities that originated them. It becomes particularly egregious when original creators are not paid or credited, Adaptations erase cultural context, and Institutions claim innovation while covering up the source.

Moreover, this isn’t just about law. It’s about integrity. It’s about the imago Dei in every creator. And just because permission was asked doesn’t mean permission has to be granted.

Respect the artist. Credit the source. Pay what’s due.

#HonorBlackComposers #JusticeForDrPowell #AllBibleCollegesShouldHaveAClassCalledChristianEthics

In The Grip Of His Grace,
C.L. Grear