Westminster Presbyterian Church Policy to Protect Personal Information
updated July 2020

Purpose:

This policy is to safeguard personal Information entrusted to Westminster Presbyterian Church. WPC is committed to maintaining the accuracy, confidentiality and security of all personal information in its possession. The Church, its Session, Ministers, employees and volunteers are required to comply with this policy. As part of this commitment WPC has adopted the following ten principles.

1. Accountability
   1. The Church Administrator is responsible for the organization's compliance with this policy. Each Elder, Committee, Commission, employee and volunteer is responsible for maintaining and protecting the personal information under its control and is accountable, for such information, to the Church Administrator.
2. Identifying purposes
   WPC collects and uses personal information about individuals solely for the following purposes:
   1. To enable communication within Westminster Presbyterian Church;
   2. To provide income tax receipts; and,
   3. To meet statutory and regulatory requirements.
   4. To raise funds for groups that are supported by WPC with prior approval from the Church Administrator.

Business contact information and certain publicly available information, such as names, addresses and telephone numbers as published in telephone directories, are not considered personal information. The only circumstance under which personal information may be disclosed to third parties is for the fulfillment of any purposes identified above, or as required by law.

3. Consent
   Unless we hear otherwise, provision of personal information on official church forms, constitutes consent for the Church to collect, use and disclose personal information for the purposes stated In this policy. An individual may refuse or withdraw consent at any time, subject to legal and contractual restrictions and reasonable notice. The choice to provide us with personal information is always the individuals. Decisions to withhold particular information may impact one's ability to meet specific requirements for the provision of certain services. An individual may refuse or withdraw consent by contacting the Church Administrator at (864) S85-4186 Ext. 104. The Church Administrator will explain the options and any consequences of refusing or withdrawing consent, and will record the individual's choice.
4. Limiting collection

The personal information the Church collects shall be limited only to that which is necessary for the purposes identified.

5. Limiting use, disclosure and retention

The personal information the Church collects will only be used or disclosed for the purposes for which it was collected, unless an individual has consented or when it is required or permitted by law. Personal information will be retained only as long as is necessary for the fulfillment of the purposes for which it was collected, or as required by law.

6. Accuracy

WPC will make all reasonable efforts to ensure that personal information Is as accurate, complete, and current as required for the purposes for which it was collected. If an individual finds any inaccuracies in our information, they should make the correction themselves or inform us and we will make the appropriate corrections promptly. In some cases, the Church relies on the individual to ensure that certain information, such as mailing address, email address and telephone number, is current, complete and accurate.

7. Safeguards

WPC uses appropriate security safeguards to protect personal information from risks such as loss, misuse, unauthorized access, disclosure, or alteration. Safeguards include physical, administrative, and electronic security measures. All employees and volunteers of the Church are required to abide by the privacy standards we have established. They are also required to work within the principles of ethical behavior, and must follow applicable laws and regulations. ln the course of daily operations, access to personal information is restricted to those employees and volunteers whose job responsibilities require them to access it.

8. Openness

WPC will provide information to individuals about our policies and procedures relating to the overall management of personal information that is under our control or with regard to specific personal information about _which an individual may have a concern. Contacting the Church Administrator at (864) 585-4186 Ext.104 can access this information.

9. Access

An individual has the right to access their personal information under the control of the Church. Upon request in writing to the Church Administrator at the address listed below, the individual will be informed of the existence, use, and disclosure of their personal information and will be given access to the information. In certain exceptional situations, the Church may not be able to provide access to certain personal information that it holds about an individual if for example, providing the information will also provide information about another person. If access cannot be provided, WPC will notify the individual, in writing, of the reasons for refusal.

10. Handling inquiries and complaints

Any questions or enquiries concerning compliance with our privacy policies and procedures may be addressed to the Church Administrator by telephone at (864)585-4186 Ext. 104, by email at cathyhyatt@wpcspartanburg.org or by regular mail at 309 Fernwood Drive, Spartanburg, SC 29307.

11. Revisions to this policy

The development of the WPC's policies and procedures for the protection of personal information is an ongoing process. Due to changes in technology and legal requirements, the Church may revise this policy from time to time. For a copy of the current version please contact the church office at (864)585-4186 or refer to the website at www.wpcspartanburg.org.