Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Permissions for A Course in Miracles
1. Is the English 1st Edition of A Course in Miracles in the public domain in the USA? How does this affect its usage?
In the United States only, the 1975 first edition (also known as the “Criswell Edition”) was placed in the public domain, and its registered copyright (No. A693944) was voided. This means permission is not required to use this edition within the USA. Outside the United States copyright of the first Edition is in full effect. For more information about the history and copyright status of the 1st Edition, please see FAQ #12.
2. May I make changes or modifications to passages in A Course in Miracles for my own project?
To preserve the integrity and spiritual accuracy of A Course in Miracles, any modification, paraphrasing, rewriting, translation, or rearrangement of the text is prohibited. The Foundation will not grant permission for altered versions of the Course. You may only use the exact wording as published by the Foundation for Inner Peace.
3. Can I use short quotes or excerpts from A Course in Miracles without permission?
All uses of quotes or excerpts from A Course in Miracles require formal permission from the Foundation. This policy ensures the teachings remain authentic and are shared responsibly.
4. How should I credit the Foundation for Inner Peace when quoting or sharing the text?
Upon submitting your permissions request, you will receive specific attribution language and guidelines. Generally, each excerpt should be cited as follows:
“Excerpt(s) from A Course in Miracles, [2nd or 3rd Edition] © [Year of Edition, e.g., 1992, 2007] by the Foundation for Inner Peace. Used with permission. https://acim.org”
5. Do I need permission to use translations of A Course in Miracles?
Yes. All translations of A Course in Miracles are fully under copyright and are protected worldwide. Please submit your permission request to the Foundation for Inner Peace to quote or use any non-English edition.
6. What if I want to publish the entire English 2nd or 3rd Edition in my own format?
Publishing the entire text of the English 2nd or 3rd Edition in a new format is not permitted without special contractual arrangements. Please contact the Foundation permissions team at [email protected] to discuss your project and its scope.
7. Can I create derivative works such as music, art, or study guides inspired by A Course in Miracles?
If your work includes direct quotations from A Course in Miracles, you must use the exact text as published and obtain permission. For original works inspired by ACIM but not containing direct text, please contact the Foundation for guidance.
8. May I use A Course in Miracles text or likeness for training, fine-tuning, or generating AI models or tools?
Use of A Course in Miracles text, translations, audio, images, or any related materials—including recordings or likenesses of Helen Schucman, William Thetford, or other individuals connected with the Foundation for Inner Peace—for the training, fine-tuning, or generation of artificial intelligence (AI) models or tools is strictly prohibited without prior written permission from the Foundation for Inner Peace.
9. Can I share quotes or content from A Course in Miracles on YouTube or other social media platforms?
Any use of A Course in Miracles materials—including quotes, translations, or other copyrighted content—on social media platforms requires prior permission from the Foundation.
10. What about other Foundation for Inner Peace products, such as audiobooks, documentary films, webinars, or apps?
Audiobooks, documentary films (such as The Story of A Course in Miracles), webinars, apps, and other Foundation products are fully protected by copyright. Reproduction or reuse of any portion requires permission from the Foundation.
11. Are there fees for obtaining permission?
The Foundation reviews permission requests on a case-by-case basis. Please contact [email protected] to discuss your project and any applicable fees.
12. How long does it typically take to receive permission after submitting a request?
The Foundation strives to respond promptly. Response times vary depending on the complexity of the request. Please allow up to 15 business days for review.
13. When do I need to submit a permissions request?
If you intend to quote, reproduce, or distribute any portion of A Course in Miracles or Foundation products, you must submit a permissions request using our online form. If you’re unsure, please email [email protected] with project details.
14. Can I use Foundation for Inner Peace logos or trademarks?
The Foundation’s logos are registered trademarks and may not be used or reproduced without explicit written permission. While the name “Foundation for Inner Peace” is not trademarked, any references should be text-only and properly attributed. Unauthorized use may constitute trademark infringement.
15. What should I do if I see unauthorized use of A Course in Miracles materials?
Please notify the Foundation at [email protected] so we can address any copyright or trademark concerns and protect the integrity of A Course in Miracles.
16. Who can I contact for more information or special requests?
Our Permissions Team is available to assist you. Please email [email protected] with questions or requests, and we will guide you through the process.
Honor the Gift: Why is it important to acknowledge the Foundation and support its mission?
The Foundation for Inner Peace is a non-profit organization and steward of A Course in Miracles. For over 50 years, the Foundation has dedicated itself to safeguarding the integrity of A Course in Miracles, ensuring that it remains unchanged and available to all who seek them. We invite and encourage those who use quotes from any edition of A Course in Miracles to share this gift with gratitude, and also give back to the Foundation in a way that sustains its mission.
How to give back:
-
Acknowledge the Foundation: Include the Foundation’s name and proper attribution in your work.
-
Support the Mission: If the Course has enriched your life, consider contributing at acim.org/donate. Your generosity helps maintain free and accessible teaching globally.
By acknowledging and giving back, you play an essential role in preserving the integrity and availability of A Course in Miracles for years to come. We deeply appreciate your support.
If you’re ready to submit a permission request, request permission here.
Updated June 2025
