Copyright Laws:
In general, copyright laws protect original works of authorship, including music and lyrics. Hymn writers and composers typically hold the copyright to their hymns, which includes the exclusive right to reproduce, distribute, and sell copies of their works.
Permissions and Licensing:
To legally sell copies of hymns that you and your friends have sung, you may need to obtain permissions and licenses from the copyright holders. This usually involves contacting the hymn writers or their publishers and negotiating a licensing agreement that allows you to distribute the copies. If the hymns are in the public domain (i.e., the copyright has expired or never existed), then you may not need to obtain permissions.
Fair Use:
In certain cases, the concept of "fair use" may apply. Fair use allows limited use of copyrighted material for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, or research without obtaining permission from the copyright holder. Whether your use of the hymns falls under fair use will depend on several factors, including the nature of the use, the amount of the work used, and the potential impact on the market for the original work.
Commercial Use:
If your intention is to sell the copies for profit, this would generally be considered a commercial use. Commercial uses of copyrighted material typically require explicit permission from the copyright holders, even if the underlying works are in the public domain.
Country-Specific Laws:
Copyright laws and regulations vary from country to country. What may be considered legal in one jurisdiction may not be so in another. Therefore, it is important to research and understand the specific copyright laws and regulations applicable in the country or jurisdiction where you plan to sell the copies.
Conclusion:
Selling copies of hymns that you and your friends have sung can be a complex legal matter. To be on the safe side, it is advisable to seek legal advice or consult with copyright experts to ensure that you obtain the necessary permissions and licenses before distributing the copies.