Last Updated: April 2026
This document contains all legal, privacy, accessibility, security, media, and youth-protection disclosures required or recommended for modern websites.
1. INTRODUCTION
Rockwell A.M.E. Zion Church (“Rockwell,” “we,” “us,” “our”) is committed to maintaining the trust and confidence of everyone who visits our website, engages with our ministries online, or provides information through any digital platform associated with the church.
This comprehensive policy explains in detail:
- What information we collect
- Why we collect it
- How it is used
- How it is protected
- How you can control your information
- Your rights under federal laws
- Our policies regarding children and youth (including COPPA compliance)
- Media and photography standards
- Online giving security
- Website terms and conditions
- Accessibility practices
- Liability disclaimers
By using this website, you agree to the terms outlined in this document.
2. DEFINITIONS
For clarity, the following terms may appear throughout this document:
- “Personal Information”: Any information that identifies or can be used to identify an individual.
- “Non-Personal Information”: Browser data, analytics, device information, and general usage patterns.
- “Minors”: Anyone under the age of 18.
- “Children”: Under COPPA, anyone under age 13.
- “Services”: All pages, forms, digital media, livestreams, communications, and online programs hosted by Rockwell.
- “Third-Party Providers”: Vendors who assist with digital services such as payments, newsletters, hosting, analytics, or registration forms.
3. INFORMATION WE COLLECT
Rockwell collects information in several ways to support ministry operations, communication, security, and community engagement.
3.1 Information You Provide Voluntarily
You may provide personal information when you:
- Contact us through the website
- Submit prayer requests
- Request membership information
- Register for church events
- Sign up for youth or children’s ministry activities
- Subscribe to newsletters
- Request pastoral care or counseling
- Make online donations or tithes
- Request community resources
- Complete volunteer forms
- Provide media consent forms
Information may include:
- First and last name
- Email address
- Phone number
- Home address
- Date of birth (if appropriate for program eligibility)
- Parent/guardian name and contact information for minors
- Emergency contact information
- Prayer details or personal concerns
- Preferences for ministry communication
- Consent regarding photos and videos
- Any other information voluntarily submitted
3.2 Information Collected Automatically
When you visit the site, we automatically record information including:
- IP address
- Browser type and version
- Device type and operating system
- Pages viewed
- Time spent on pages
- Referring websites
- General geographic location (city-level)
- Cookies and tracking identifiers
- Error logs and diagnostic information
This non-personal data helps improve site performance and enhance visitor experience.
3.3 Cookies & Tracking Technologies
Cookies help:
- Recognize repeat visitors
- Maintain login or form progress
- Provide analytics through Google Analytics or similar tools
- Improve navigation and load speeds
You can disable cookies in your browser, but some features may not work.
3.4 Payment & Donation Information
Online giving is processed through secure third-party processors.Rockwell never:
- Sees your full card number
- Stores your payment information
- Saves bank account data
Only donation amounts, dates, and contact information are stored for contribution records.
4. HOW WE USE YOUR INFORMATION
We use personal and non-personal information for:
4.1 Communication
- Responding to your messages
- Sending ministry updates
- Providing event information
- Delivering newsletters and devotionals
- Notifying you of schedule changes or urgent church communications
4.2 Ministry Operations
- Coordinating volunteers
- Managing membership records
- Scheduling counseling or pastoral appointments
- Registering youth/children for ministries or trips
- Following up on prayer requests
4.3 Safety & Compliance
- Ensuring the safety of minors
- Emergency notifications or urgent contacts
- Legal reporting if required by law
4.4 Website Function
- Improving website usability
- Troubleshooting errors
- Enhancing digital accessibility
5. HOW INFORMATION IS SHARED
We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information.
Information may be shared only with:
5.1 Authorized Personnel
- Pastors
- Church staff
- Ministry leaders
- Volunteers with approved responsibilities
5.2 Third-Party Service Providers
Such as:
- Email marketing services
- Website hosting
- Digital form software
- Text-message alert systems
- Secure payment processors
- Event management providers
- Church administrative platforms
All third-party providers must protect your information consistent with this policy.
5.3 Legal Requirements
Information may be disclosed only when required:
- By court order
- To comply with federal/state law
- To prevent harm or ensure safety
- For mandated reporting involving minors or vulnerable persons
6. DATA RETENTION
We retain information:
- As long as necessary for ministry purposes
- As long as legally required for church records
- Until you request deletion (where permissible)
- Indefinitely for archival materials (e.g., historical photographs) unless you request removal
7. CHILDREN’S PRIVACY POLICY (COPPA — FULL COMPLIANCE)
Rockwell is committed to protecting the privacy of children in accordance with the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) and the updated regulations effective April 22, 2026.
7.1 Website Intended Audience
The Rockwell website is not directed to children under 13 and does not encourage them to submit personal information.
7.2 Information Collected From Minors
We may collect information for youth programs only from parents or guardians, including:
- Child’s name
- Age or grade
- Medical or allergy information (for safety)
- Emergency contacts
- Media/photo consent
- Event permission forms
We do NOT knowingly collect information directly from children under 13 without proper parental consent.
7.3 Parental Consent Requirements
Under COPPA, we use one or more verification methods:
- Signed consent forms
- Verified parent email (with confirmation steps)
- Phone or video confirmation
- In-person verification
- Government ID visually checked (never stored)
7.4 Parental Rights
Parents have the right to:
- Review the child’s data
- Request deletion
- Revoke consent
- Request to discontinue participation
7.5 Unauthorized Submissions
If a child under 13 submits information without parental consent:
- The information is deleted immediately.
- The parent is notified (if identifiable).
- Access is restricted until consent is obtained.
8. MEDIA, PHOTO & VIDEO DISCLOSURE
Rockwell may capture photos, videos, and audio during:
- Worship services
- Bible studies
- Baptisms or confirmations
- Choir rehearsals
- Youth events
- Community outreach programs
- Church-wide celebrations
- Livestreamed services
These may appear on:
- Church website
- Social media
- Printed materials
- Promotional resources
- Archives and historical documentation
Opt-Out Instructions
Any adult may opt out by notifying:
- Media Ministry
- A church leader
- The church office
Children’s Media Protections
We will not display recognizable images or recordings of minors without written parental consent.
9. ONLINE GIVING & SECURITY POLICY
Your financial information is protected by:
- PCI-compliant payment systems
- SSL encryption
- Secure servers
- Fraud-prevention technology
Rockwell does NOT store or have access to your:
- Credit card number
- CVV code
- Bank account information
Receipts are provided automatically.
10. ACCESSIBILITY STATEMENT
Rockwell is committed to ensuring digital accessibility for all individuals, including those with disabilities.We strive to conform to WCAG 2.1 AA standards.
Accessibility efforts include:
- Alt text for images
- Logical page heading structure
- High-contrast readability
- Keyboard navigation support
- Screen reader compatibility
- Accessible forms
- Captions for livestream videos (when available)
If you encounter accessibility issues, please contact us so we can address them promptly.
11. WEBSITE TERMS & CONDITIONS
By using this website, you agree to the following:
11.1 Acceptable Use
You may NOT:
- Harass or harm others
- Upload malware or harmful code
- Attempt to access restricted areas
- Disrupt church operations
- Violate any applicable law
11.2 Intellectual Property
All content—including sermons, text, photos, logos, graphics, videos, and documents—is owned by Rockwell.
Users may not:
- Copy
- Reproduce
- Sell
- Distribute
- Modify
church content without written permission.
11.3 Links to Third-Party Sites
Rockwell is not responsible for:
- Security
- Content
- Privacy practices
- Accuracy
of external websites.
11.4 Limitation of Liability
Rockwell is not liable for:
- Website errors
- Technical interruptions
- Inaccurate information
- Loss of data
- External link issues
- Unauthorized access
- Harm arising from misuse of digital content
12. DISCLAIMER OF SPIRITUAL, MEDICAL & LEGAL INFORMATION
Information on this website is provided solely for:
- Spiritual growth
- Inspirational purposes
- Education
- Community communication
It is not professional:
- Legal advice
- Medical guidance
- Mental health counseling
- Financial planning
Seek licensed professionals for such matters.
13. YOUR RIGHTS & CHOICES
You may request:
- A copy of your data
- Corrections
- Deletion
- Opt-out of communications
- Revocation of parental consent
Contact information is below.
14. CONTACT INFORMATION
For questions, concerns, or requests, contact:
Rockwell A.M.E. Zion Church
info@rockwellcharlotte.org
