[Church Name] Privacy Policy
Purpose
This policy is established to safeguard personal information entrusted to [Church Name] and to comply with the requirements of applicable privacy legislation.
Privacy Principles
- Accountability
[Church Name] has appointed a Privacy Officer responsible for ensuring the Church’s compliance with this policy. Every Board member, officer, employee, and volunteer is accountable for protecting the personal information in their control and must report to the Privacy Officer. - Identifying Purposes
The Church collects and uses personal information solely for purposes including, but not limited to:
- Enabling effective communication;
- Providing official receipts for income tax purposes; and
- Complying with statutory and regulatory requirements.
Business contact information and publicly available information (e.g., names, addresses, telephone numbers published in directories) are not considered personal information.
Personal information may only be disclosed to third parties for the purposes identified above or as required by law. When disclosing such information, [Church Name] will take reasonable steps to ensure that the third party employs appropriate security measures.
- Consent
By providing personal information on official Church forms, individuals are deemed to have consented to its collection, use, and disclosure for the purposes described in this policy. Consent may be refused or withdrawn at any time (subject to legal and contractual restrictions and with reasonable notice). Individuals who choose not to provide certain information may affect their eligibility for some services.
To refuse or withdraw consent, please contact the Privacy Officer using the details provided below. The Privacy Officer will explain the available options and document the individual’s decision. - Limiting Collection
The Church limits the collection of personal information to that which is necessary for the purposes identified. Only relevant and required information will be collected. - Limiting Use, Disclosure, and Retention
Personal information will be used or disclosed solely for the purposes for which it was collected, unless the individual has provided further consent or as required or permitted by law. The Church will retain personal information only as long as necessary to fulfill its intended purposes or as required by law. - Accuracy
[Church Name] will take reasonable steps to ensure that personal information is accurate, complete, and current as needed for its purposes. Individuals are encouraged to notify the Church of any inaccuracies, so that corrections can be made promptly. - Safeguards
The Church employs appropriate security safeguards—including physical, administrative, and electronic measures—to protect personal information against loss, misuse, unauthorized access, disclosure, or alteration. Access to personal information is restricted to employees and volunteers whose roles require it, and all personnel are expected to adhere to established privacy standards and ethical practices. - Openness
[Church Name] is committed to being transparent about its policies and procedures for managing personal information. Individuals may contact the Privacy Officer to request further information about our practices and the handling of personal information. - Access
Individuals have the right to access the personal information held by the Church about them. Requests for access should be made in writing to the Privacy Officer. The Church will respond with details regarding the existence, use, and disclosure of the information, and provide access to it unless doing so would violate the privacy rights of a third party. If access is denied, the Church will provide written reasons for the refusal. - Handling Enquiries and Complaints
Any questions, concerns, or complaints regarding the Church’s privacy practices should be directed to the Privacy Officer. You may contact the Privacy Officer via telephone at [Insert Phone Number], by email at [Insert Email Address], or by mail at:
[Church Name]
[Insert Address] - Revisions to this Policy
The protection of personal information is an ongoing commitment. Due to changes in technology and legal requirements, this policy may be revised from time to time. For the most current version, please contact the Church office or visit our website.
This policy reflects [Church Name]’s commitment to protecting the personal information of its community and ensuring compliance with applicable privacy legislation. All staff, Board members, officers, and volunteers are expected to understand and adhere to these principles.