Privacy Policy

Last Updated: September 15, 2025

Liberty Family Church (“we,” “us,” or “our”) is committed to protecting the privacy of our members, visitors, and users of our website, https://liberty.org.za (the “Website”). This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, store, and protect your personal information in accordance with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) of South Africa and other applicable laws.

1. Information We Collect

We may collect the following types of personal information:

  • Personal Details: Name, email address, phone number, physical address, or other details you provide when you register for events, join our mailing list, make donations, or interact with our services.
  • Website Usage Data: Information such as your IP address, browser type, device information, and pages visited, collected through cookies or similar technologies.
  • Sensitive Information: Information about religious beliefs or affiliations, which may be collected when you engage with our church activities or services (e.g., membership forms or event registrations).
  • Children’s Information: Where applicable, we may collect information about children (e.g., for youth programs), but only with parental or guardian consent.

2. How We Collect Information

We collect personal information in the following ways:

  • Directly from You: When you fill out forms on our Website, sign up for newsletters, register for events, or contact us via email or phone.
  • Automatically: Through cookies and analytics tools when you visit our Website.
  • From Third Parties: From trusted partners, such as payment processors or event management platforms, when you make donations or register for events.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use your personal information to:

  • Communicate with you about church activities, events, and updates.
  • Process donations or payments for services or events.
  • Improve our Website and services through analytics.
  • Ensure compliance with legal obligations, including POPIA.
  • Provide pastoral care or support, where applicable.
  • Send you newsletters or updates (with your consent).

4. Legal Basis for Processing

We process personal information based on:

  • Consent: When you voluntarily provide your information or opt-in to receive communications.
  • Legitimate Interest: To operate our church activities and improve our services.
  • Legal Obligation: To comply with South African laws, such as POPIA.
  • Contractual Necessity: To fulfill obligations related to event registrations or donations.

5. Sharing Your Information

We do not sell or rent your personal information. We may share your information with:

  • Service Providers: Trusted third parties (e.g., payment processors, email marketing platforms) who assist us in delivering services, subject to strict confidentiality agreements.
  • Legal Authorities: When required by law or to protect the rights and safety of our church community.
  • Church Staff and Volunteers: For purposes such as organizing events or providing pastoral care, where necessary.

6. Data Storage and Security

  • Storage: Your information is stored securely on our servers or those of our trusted service providers.
  • Security Measures: We implement reasonable technical and organizational measures to protect your data, including encryption, access controls, and regular security reviews.
  • Retention: We retain your information only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this policy or as required by law.

7. Your Rights Under POPIA

Under the Protection of Personal Information Act, you have the right to:

  • Access the personal information we hold about you.
  • Request correction or deletion of your personal information.
  • Object to or restrict the processing of your information.
  • Withdraw consent at any time (where processing is based on consent).
  • Lodge a complaint with the Information Regulator of South Africa.

To exercise these rights, please contact us at the details provided below.

8. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

Our Website uses cookies to enhance your experience, analyze usage, and improve functionality. You can manage your cookie preferences through your browser settings. By continuing to use our Website, you consent to our use of cookies as described in this policy.

9. International Data Transfers

If any personal information is transferred outside South Africa (e.g., to international service providers), we ensure that appropriate safeguards are in place to protect your data in accordance with POPIA.

10. Third-Party Links

Our Website may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of these sites. Please review their privacy policies before providing personal information.

11. Children’s Privacy

We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 18 without parental or guardian consent. If you believe we have collected such information inadvertently, please contact us immediately.

12. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. The updated policy will be posted on our Website with the revised “Last Updated” date.

13. Contact Us

If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please find our contact details at https://liberty.org.za

Alternatively, you can contact the Information Regulator of South Africa at:
Email: inforeg@justice.gov.za

Thank you for trusting Liberty Family Church with your personal information. We are committed to safeguarding your privacy while serving our community.