Rick, You wrote: Before the FHL could actually post scans of entire church books on their website, permission would have to be obtained, in this case, from the Bern State Archives, as they are the copyright holder. You wrote: For records in the past where the LDS Church actually did the microfilming (whether in the United States or elsewhere) they are having to recontact those repositories to obtain permission before they can place scans of those records on-line. You wrote: In cases where they have purchased microfilms but did not do the microfilming (as the Canton Bern church records) they would need to obtain permission from the copyright holder/publisher of the microfilm. You wrote: Considering that the Bern Archives apparently worked out a financial deal with Picton Press for them to sell CDs of those church records, I would not be optimistic of actual scans of those church books ever appearing on the (free) FHL website. Me: I was aware that distribution rights for almost all of the films will have to be renegotiated and that will take time. I thought it "goes without saying." That's one reason it takes a moving force with the will and means to organize and facilitate this. You wrote: Even in cases where permission for past LDS microfilming or purchased microfilms is not obtained, indexes to those films would be a big benefit. Me: Amen. In the meantime, no one should hold back because of all the legal work needs to be done. There will be plenty of volunteer work to be done. Paul