Hello, I work at a church and I create weekly slide shows for worhip services. I need backgrounds to display Hymns, scripture, and other song lyrics over. Does projecting downloaded artwork violate copyright? If so, how do I obtain permission to do so? Must I contact each author individually?

Send a Personal Message which can be found on their profile, send it to them, asking to use the image "only" for that show and a yes or no should be sent to you.

There shouldn't be a problem with it as long as you ask permission first, most members will happily give you consent.