Cookie Policy

1. How We Use Cookies

ChurchDatabase uses cookies for the following purposes:

• Essential Operations: Enable core functionality like authentication and security
• Performance: Understand how visitors use our website
• Functionality: Remember your preferences and settings
• Security: Protect against fraud and unauthorized access

2. Types of Cookies We Use

2.1 Strictly Necessary Cookies

These cookies are essential for the website to function and cannot be disabled.

Cookie Name	Purpose	Duration
sessionid	Maintains your logged-in session	Session
csrftoken	Security protection against cross-site request forgery	1 year
tenant_schema	Identifies your church database	Session

2.2 Performance Cookies

These cookies help us understand how visitors interact with our website.

Cookie Name	Purpose	Duration
_ga	Google Analytics - Distinguishes users	2 years
_gid	Google Analytics - Distinguishes users	24 hours
_gat	Google Analytics - Throttles request rate	1 minute

2.3 Functionality Cookies

These cookies enable enhanced functionality and personalization.

Cookie Name	Purpose	Duration
user_preferences	Stores your UI preferences and settings	1 year
language	Remembers your language preference	1 year
cookie_consent	Records your cookie consent preferences	1 year

3. Third-Party Cookies

We use selected third-party services that may set cookies:

3.1 Google Analytics

We use Google Analytics to understand website usage. Google Analytics uses cookies to collect anonymous information such as:

• Pages visited
• Time spent on site
• Browser and device type
• Approximate location (city/region level)

Google's privacy policy: policies.google.com/privacy

3.2 Payment Processors

When processing payments, our payment providers (Stripe and GoCardless) may set cookies for:

• Fraud prevention
• Secure payment processing
• Compliance with payment card industry standards

4. How to Control Cookies

4.1 Browser Settings

Most web browsers allow you to control cookies through settings. You can:

• View what cookies are stored
• Delete cookies
• Block cookies from specific sites
• Block third-party cookies
• Block all cookies

4.2 Browser-Specific Instructions

• Chrome: Settings → Privacy and security → Cookies and other site data
• Firefox: Settings → Privacy & Security → Cookies and Site Data
• Safari: Preferences → Privacy → Cookies and website data
• Edge: Settings → Cookies and site permissions → Cookies and site data

4.3 Opt-Out of Google Analytics

You can opt-out of Google Analytics by installing the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on.

5. Do Not Track (DNT)

We respect browser Do Not Track signals. When DNT is enabled:

• We disable non-essential analytics
• We do not track your activity across other websites
• Essential cookies still function for security and authentication

6. Mobile Devices

Mobile apps may use similar technologies to cookies. You can control these through:

• iOS: Settings → Privacy → Tracking
• Android: Settings → Google → Ads → Opt out of Ads Personalization

7. Cookie Lifespan

We use two types of cookies:

• Session Cookies: Deleted when you close your browser
• Persistent Cookies: Remain until they expire or you delete them

8. Updates to This Policy

We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time. We will:

• Notify you of significant changes
• Update the "Last updated" date
• Post the updated policy on our website

9. Your Consent

By using ChurchDatabase, you consent to our use of essential cookies. For non-essential cookies, we will ask for your consent when you first visit our website.

You can withdraw consent at any time by:

• Changing your cookie preferences in your browser
• Using our cookie preference center (if available)
• Contacting us at privacy@churchdatabase.co.uk

10. More Information

For more information about cookies and how they're used, visit:

• All About Cookies
• ICO - Cookies

11. Contact Us

If you have questions about our use of cookies, please contact: