Privacy Policy

The Church of the Covenant (CotC)
(Effective December 2025)

1. General Statement

This Privacy Policy sets forth how The Church of the Covenant (“CotC,'“ “we,” “our,” or “us”) collects, uses, processes, and protects personal information. This policy applies to a broad range of individuals interacting with our ministry, including:

  • Visitors to and users of our websites (collectively, “Sites”).

  • Congregants, worshipers, and participants in our programs.

  • Job applicants, employees, and volunteers.

  • Third-party service providers, tenants, vendors, and suppliers.

By accessing our Sites or participating in our services, you signify that you have read, understood, and agree to the practices described herein.

2. Information We Collect

A. Information You Provide Directly

We collect personal information when you communicate with us, worship with us, or attend events.
This includes:

  • Contact Details: Name, address, email address, and telephone number.

  • Financial Data: Information required to process donations or payments, such as tax ID numbers or wire instruction details.

  • Social Media Interactions: Information regarding your interaction with CotC fellowships and activities on social media platforms.

B. Employment and HR Information

To support our hiring and administrative processes, we collect specific data from job applicants and employees, including:

  • Resumes, cover letters, and previous employment history.

  • Current and post-employer details and job titles.

  • Background check information (where applicable and permitted by law).

C. Automated Data & Tracking Technologies

To improve our Sites and user experience, we and our third-party partners use tracking technologies (cookies, web beacons, embedded scripts). We may automatically collect:

  • Device Data: IP address, browser type, operating system, and unique device identifiers (UDID/IDFA).

  • Usage Data: Pages visited, time spent on the Sites, and links clicked.

  • Location Data: Approximate location derived from IP addresses or GPS data (depending on device settings).

Note: We are unable to respond to “Do Not Track” signals set by your browser at this time.

D. Audio, Video, and Surveillance

  • Security: We may collect video images from CCTV or security cameras while you are on our premises to maintain the security of our personnel and assets.

  • Livestreaming & Teleconferencing: We may record screen shots or electronic recordings of teleconferences and livestream worship services.

3. How We Use Your Information

We process your personal information based on lawful grounds, including: (i) compliance with legal obligations, (ii) performance of contracts, (iii) legitimate pastoral and spiritual interests, and (iv) substantial public interest.

Specific uses include:

  • Pastoral Care: To respond to questions and handle requests for pastoral services.

  • Ministry Operations: To operate our Sites, analyze statistics, and improve our ministry features.

  • Human Resources: To communicate regarding employment opportunities, process job applications, and manage our relationship with staff and volunteers.

  • Security & Safety: To manage access to our premises and execute disaster recovery procedures.

  • Vendor Management: To pay for services and engage vendors or suppliers.

4. Media & Livestreaming Policy

Consent to Film: By entering the church premises during livestreamed services or events, you consent to photography, audio recording, and video recording and its release for ministry purposes.

5. Communication & Text Messaging (SMS)

We strictly adhere to carrier regulations (10DLC) regarding text messaging.

  • Opt-Out: You may opt-out of text communications at any time (e.g., by replying STOP).

  • Privacy of Mobile Data: We ensure that no mobile information will be shared with third parties for marketing or promotional purposes.

6. Sharing and Disclosure of Information

We do not sell your information. We may share information with:

  • Internal Parties: CotC ministries, pastors, employees, and volunteers.

  • Service Providers: Third-party vendors (e.g., payroll processors, database managers) who perform duties on our behalf. These personnel are prohibited from using your information for purposes other than providing services to CotC.

  • Legal Requirements: We may disclose information to comply with applicable laws, regulations, or reasonable requests from law enforcement, or to protect the rights and safety of CotC and its members.

7. Your Rights and Choices

Depending on your jurisdiction and applicable laws, you may have the following rights:

  • Right to Know/Access: You may request details about the categories of personal information we collect, the sources, and the purposes for collection.

  • Right to Delete: You may request that we delete your personal information, subject to certain legal retention requirements.

  • Freedom from Discrimination: You have the right to be free from unlawful discrimination for exercising your privacy rights.

To exercise these rights, please contact us at covenant@covenantweb.org. We will verify your identity before processing such requests.

8. Data Retention and Security

  • Retention: We retain personal information only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this policy or to comply with legal/accounting obligations.

  • Security Measures: We employ physical, administrative, and technological safeguards to protect your data. However, no security system is impenetrable, and we cannot guarantee 100% security.

9. Children’s Privacy

Our Sites are not intended for children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13 via our Sites. If we discover that such information has been collected without parental consent, we will delete it as quickly as possible.

10. Contact Us

If you have questions regarding this Privacy Policy, please contact us at: covenant@covenantweb.org

To download a PDF of this information, click here.