Cookies

For example, the following statistical data is collected about service usage:

• total number of visitors
• whether the visitor is new or visiting for the first time
• the web address from which the user arrived
• most commonly used search terms
• most popular pages
• most commonly used browser versions
• most common service providers

Why are cookies used?

Cookies are small data files that are transferred to your computer or mobile device when you visit a website. Cookies are stored alongside the files used by your browser. Cookies do not harm users’ computers or files, and users cannot be identified through our cookies.

Cookies recognize your computer when you return to the site. They also remember choices you have previously made on the site, thereby improving the user experience.

Managing and blocking cookies

If you do not wish to receive cookies, you can adjust your browser settings so that you are notified whenever cookies are being sent. Alternatively, you can block the use of cookies entirely. The use of cookies can be restricted or blocked through your internet browser.

If this function is disabled, it is important to note that cookies may be necessary for some services to function properly.

Cookies can also be deleted via your browser settings.

Analytics

We use Matomo analytics on our website, maintained by the Church Council’s communications unit. Matomo does not set tracking cookies or personalize users. We use analytics data to improve the functionality of the site and to study which features interest visitors.

Analytics data is used to help us design and develop better services.

Functional cookies: matomo.org/privacy-policy/

Giosg

We provide chatbox features on our website through Giosg. Giosg cookies are not used to identify individuals. More information: docs.giosg.com

Askem

Askem is a tool for improving websites and collecting feedback. We use Askem to analyze website content and quality, and to provide visitors with an easy way to give feedback on content. Askem cannot be used to track or identify website visitors.

Askem does not store personally identifiable information, but it stores a randomly generated identifier on the visitor’s device.

Askem does not independently modify or disclose data to third parties: askem.com/privacy-policy/

The following information may be associated with cookies:

• timestamp
• device and browser type
• pages visited on the website
• time spent on each page
• the address from which the visitor arrived
• reactions given by the visitor on the page
• where the visitor shared the page link
• feedback written by the user about the page content

Cookies from social media embeds

Some cookies are third-party cookies. Third-party plugins on our pages (such as YouTube videos or Facebook features) may store information used to identify users, which we cannot control. We use iframe embeds from social media platforms to share event information, news feeds, and updates.

These embeds typically use their own cookies to analyze users and provide targeted advertising. If you want to prevent them from tracking your browsing activity, you can disable third-party cookies in your browser settings.

For this reason, these embeds will only function if the user has allowed social media cookies on the website. Otherwise, the user will see a banner over the embed preventing it from functioning and requesting permission to enable the related cookies.

Our site also includes buttons that make it easier to share content on social media and other online communities. If you use these buttons, cookies may be set on your device by those services. These cookies are not under our control. For more information about the use of third-party cookies, please refer to the respective provider’s website.