Privacy Policy

Privacy Policy for eChurch United

Effective Date: July 20, 2025 Last Updated: July 20, 2025

1. Introduction

Welcome to eChurch United (“we,” “our,” or “us”). We are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring the security of your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website and use our services.

2. Information We Collect

Personal Information

We may collect personal information that you voluntarily provide to us, including but not limited to:

  • Name and contact information (email address, phone number, mailing address)
  • Prayer requests and personal testimonies
  • Donation information and payment details
  • Event registration information
  • Communication preferences
  • Profile information for member accounts

Automatically Collected Information

We may automatically collect certain information when you visit our website:

  • IP address and location data
  • Browser type and version
  • Device information
  • Pages visited and time spent on our site
  • Referring website information
  • Cookies and similar tracking technologies

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the collected information for the following purposes:

  • Providing and maintaining our religious services and community features
  • Processing donations and maintaining donation records
  • Sending newsletters, prayer updates, and ministry communications
  • Organizing and managing church events and activities
  • Responding to prayer requests and providing pastoral care
  • Improving our website and user experience
  • Complying with legal obligations
  • Protecting against fraud and ensuring security

4. Information Sharing and Disclosure

We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information to third parties. We may share your information in the following circumstances:

Service Providers

We may share information with trusted third-party service providers who assist us in:

  • Payment processing for donations
  • Email marketing and communications
  • Website hosting and maintenance
  • Event management platforms
  • Analytics and website optimization

Legal Requirements

We may disclose your information if required by law or in response to:

  • Valid legal process (subpoenas, court orders)
  • Protection of our rights and property
  • Emergency situations involving safety concerns
  • Compliance with applicable regulations

Ministry Partners

With your consent, we may share relevant information with affiliated ministries or partner organizations for coordinated ministry efforts.

5. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational security measures to protect your personal information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. These measures include:

  • Secure data transmission (SSL/TLS encryption)
  • Regular security assessments
  • Access controls and authentication
  • Secure data storage practices

However, no method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

6. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

Our website uses cookies and similar technologies to:

  • Remember your preferences and settings
  • Analyze website traffic and usage patterns
  • Provide personalized content and experiences
  • Enable social media features
  • Facilitate online donations and registrations

You can control cookies through your browser settings, though disabling certain cookies may affect website functionality.

7. Third-Party Links and Services

Our website may contain links to third-party websites or services. This Privacy Policy does not apply to those external sites. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party sites you visit.

8. Children’s Privacy

Our services are not intended for children under 13 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If we become aware that we have collected such information, we will take steps to delete it promptly.

9. Your Rights and Choices

Depending on your location, you may have certain rights regarding your personal information:

Access and Correction

  • Request access to your personal information
  • Request correction of inaccurate information
  • Update your communication preferences

Data Portability and Deletion

  • Request a copy of your personal information
  • Request deletion of your personal information (subject to legal and operational requirements)

Communication Preferences

  • Opt-out of marketing communications
  • Choose specific types of updates you wish to receive
  • Update your contact preferences

To exercise these rights, please contact us using the information provided below.

10. Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy, comply with legal obligations, resolve disputes, and enforce our agreements. Specific retention periods may vary based on:

  • Type of information collected
  • Purpose for which it was collected
  • Legal and regulatory requirements
  • Operational needs

11. International Data Transfers

If you are located outside the United States, please be aware that your information may be transferred to and processed in the United States, where our servers are located and our central database is operated.

12. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any material changes by:

  • Posting the updated policy on our website
  • Sending email notifications to registered users
  • Displaying prominent notices on our website

The “Last Updated” date at the top of this policy indicates when it was most recently revised.

13. Contact Information

If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our privacy practices, please contact us:

eChurch United Email: Alpha@eChurchUnited.com

For privacy-related inquiries, please use the subject line “Privacy Policy Inquiry.”

14. Special Considerations for Religious Organizations

As a religious organization, we may process certain information for legitimate religious purposes, including:

  • Pastoral care and spiritual guidance
  • Religious education and discipleship
  • Community building and fellowship
  • Charitable activities and outreach

We handle all religious and spiritual information with special care and in accordance with our religious beliefs and practices.