PRIVACY POLICY 

Last Updated: October 15, 2025

Welcome to the official website of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Charismatic Old Catholic Church (SHJCOCC). Your privacy is important to us. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and protect your personal information when you visit our website, engage with our ministries online, or interact with our digital content.

By using our website, you consent to the data practices described in this Privacy Policy. Please take a few moments to read it carefully.

1. About the Sacred Heart of Jesus Charismatic Old Catholic Church

The Sacred Heart of Jesus Charismatic Old Catholic Church (SHJCOCC) is a Christ-centered, Spirit-led community rooted in the Old Catholic tradition of the Utrecht Apostolic Succession. Our mission is to proclaim the love and mercy of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, renew lives through the power of the Holy Spirit, and build a family of faith that lives the Gospel in word and deed.

This website serves as a platform for:

• Sharing church news, liturgical reflections, teachings, and spiritual resources;

• Promoting fellowship, evangelism, and ministry programs;

• Facilitating online contact, prayer requests, and donations to support the mission of the Church.

We are committed to protecting the privacy of everyone who interacts with us, whether as members, visitors, donors, or online participants.

2. Information We Collect

We collect only the information necessary to provide our services, improve communication, and ensure the security and functionality of this website.

a. Voluntary Information

We may collect personal information that you voluntarily provide through:

• Contact Forms: Your name, email address, phone number, and message content when you reach out for prayer, counseling, or general inquiries.

• Newsletter or Mailing List Subscriptions: Your name and email address, used solely to send updates, devotionals, and church announcements.

• Donation or Partnership Forms: When applicable, we may collect limited financial details through trusted third-party processors for secure online giving.

We will use this data only for the purpose it was provided — for example, to respond to messages, provide requested materials, or acknowledge donations.

We never sell, rent, or share your personal information with third parties for marketing purposes.

b. Automatically Collected Information

When you visit our website, certain data is automatically collected to help us improve functionality and security. This may include:

• IP address and approximate location (for analytics and security purposes);

• Browser type and version;

• Pages visited and time spent on each page;

• Referring website or search term used;

• Date and time of your visit.

We use this information in aggregated form to understand website traffic patterns, measure effectiveness, and maintain a secure digital environment.

c. Cookies and Similar Technologies

Our website uses cookies — small text files stored on your device — to enhance user experience and site functionality. Cookies help us:

• Remember user preferences (e.g., language, display mode);

• Analyze overall site performance through analytics tools;

• Maintain session stability and improve navigation.

You can choose to accept or decline cookies through your browser settings. Disabling cookies may limit some features but will not prevent general access to the site.

We may use Google Analytics and other reputable tools to monitor anonymous traffic data. This information helps us understand how visitors use our site, allowing us to improve content and engagement.

No personally identifiable information (PII) is collected through these analytics tools.

3. How We Use Your Information

We process the limited information we collect for the following legitimate purposes:

1. Communication:

   • To respond to inquiries or prayer requests submitted via our contact forms.

   • To send newsletters, devotionals, or event updates to subscribers who opt in.

2. Ministry and Engagement:

   • To manage participation in online services, study groups, or outreach programs.

   • To keep accurate records for membership and pastoral care when applicable.

3. Administration and Improvement:

   • To understand visitor engagement and improve user experience.

   • To protect our website against unauthorized access, spam, or misuse.

4. Donations and Support:

   • To process voluntary contributions securely through approved payment gateways.

   • To maintain transparent records for financial accountability.

5. Legal and Ethical Compliance:

   • To comply with applicable laws, ecclesiastical policies, and data protection standards.

We will not use your information for purposes other than those stated above without obtaining your consent.

4. Third-Party Services and External Links

Our website may include links to other Christian organizations, partner ministries, or reputable external resources.

Please note:

• We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of external sites.

• When you leave our website, you are subject to the privacy policy of the new site you visit.

• We recommend reading those privacy statements before providing any personal information.

If we use third-party tools (e.g., Google Forms, PayPal, or YouTube), these services operate under their respective privacy policies. The SHJCOCC ensures that any third-party service we engage with aligns with accepted privacy and ethical standards.

5. Advertising and Cookies Disclosure

The SHJCOCC website is non-commercial and primarily for spiritual and educational purposes. However, if we ever host limited, value-aligned advertising or ministry sponsorships, they will comply with Christian ethics and data protection standards.

We do not permit advertisements that promote immoral, exploitative, or anti-Christian content.

If third-party tools like Google Analytics or YouTube embeds place cookies for analytical purposes, you will be able to manage or disable them through your browser or consent settings.

6. Data Retention and Security

We take your data security seriously and employ reasonable technical and administrative safeguards to prevent unauthorized access or disclosure.

• Contact form data is retained only as long as necessary to respond to inquiries or manage ongoing communication.

• Email subscription data is stored securely and can be deleted upon your request.

• Donation information is managed through secure third-party processors compliant with international security standards (e.g., SSL encryption).

While no system is 100% foolproof, we follow best practices to protect your data from unauthorized access, alteration, or misuse.

7. Your Rights and Choices

You have the following rights regarding your personal data:

• Access: You may request access to any personal data we hold about you.

• Correction: You may ask us to correct inaccurate or outdated information.

• Deletion: You may request deletion of your data, such as messages or email subscriptions.

• Opt-Out: You can unsubscribe from newsletters at any time using the link provided in our emails or by contacting us directly.

• Cookie Control: You can disable or manage cookies through your browser settings.

If you wish to exercise any of these rights, please contact us through our official contact page or email provided below.

8. Children’s Privacy

The SHJCOCC website is designed for general audiences and does not intentionally collect personal data from children under 13 years of age.

Parents and guardians who believe their child may have provided personal information should contact us immediately. Upon verification, such data will be promptly deleted.

We encourage families to participate together in our online worship and learning experiences under parental supervision.

9. Data Sharing and Disclosure

We will not share your personal information with third parties except in the following limited circumstances:

• With Your Consent: When you have given explicit permission.

• For Legal Compliance: When required by law, subpoena, or government request.

• For Operational Necessity: When using trusted third-party services (e.g., mailing or payment providers) who adhere to strict confidentiality and data protection agreements.

We will never sell or trade your personal information for any commercial purpose.

10. International Visitors and Legal Basis for Processing

For visitors from outside Nigeria (including the European Union, United States, and other regions), our legal basis for processing your information depends on the context:

• Consent: When you voluntarily submit information or agree to cookies.

• Legitimate Interest: When processing is necessary for church administration, communication, or website improvement.

• Legal Obligation: When data retention is required by ecclesiastical, legal, or charitable regulations.

Your data may be stored or processed on servers located in Nigeria or other jurisdictions where our web services operate.

11. Updates to This Privacy Policy

This Privacy Policy may be updated periodically to reflect:

• Changes in legal requirements;

• Updates in our web platform or digital ministry operations;

• Enhancements in privacy and data protection standards.

Whenever this policy is revised, the “Last Updated” date at the top of the page will change. Continued use of our website after any update indicates your acceptance of the revised terms.

12. Acceptance of This Policy

By accessing and using the Sacred Heart of Jesus Charismatic Old Catholic Church website, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to this Privacy Policy.

If you do not agree with any part of it, please discontinue use of the website. Your continued use after updates signifies your acceptance of all revisions.

13. Contact Us

For questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy, please contact us using the Contact us form

We are committed to responding to all privacy-related inquiries in a respectful and timely manner.

The Sacred Heart of Jesus Charismatic Old Catholic Church values transparency, integrity, and trust. We collect only what is necessary, use it responsibly, and protect it diligently.

Every aspect of our digital presence — from communication to donations — is guided by the same principles that shape our ministry: love, stewardship, accountability, and the sacred dignity of every person created in the image of God.