Privacy Policy

1. Our Commitment to Privacy

The Community of Nazareth is committed to respecting and protecting the privacy of all who enquire about, engage with, or belong to the Community.

We handle personal information with care, discretion, and transparency, in accordance with UK data protection law.

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2. What Information We Collect

We may collect and hold limited personal information, including:

• Name and contact details (such as email address)

• Information shared during enquiries or discernment conversations

• Information necessary for formation, membership, or pastoral care

• Records of participation in community life (e.g. meetings, vows, formation stages)

• Financial information related to voluntary pledges (where applicable)

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We collect only what is necessary for the life and good order of the Community.

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3. How We Use Your Information

Personal information is used solely for purposes related to the life of the Community, including:

• Responding to enquiries

• Supporting discernment and formation

• Maintaining communication within the Community

• Pastoral care and safeguarding

• Administration, governance, and financial accountability

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Your information will never be used for marketing or commercial purposes.

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4. Lawful Basis for Processing

We process personal data under one or more of the following lawful bases:

• Consent (where you have freely given it)

• Legitimate interests of the Community in maintaining its common life

• Legal obligations, including safeguarding and financial accountability

• Pastoral care, where information is shared in confidence

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Sensitive information shared in spiritual or pastoral contexts is treated with particular care.

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5. Confidentiality and Pastoral Information

Information shared in the context of spiritual direction, pastoral accompaniment, or discernment is treated as confidential and will not be shared without consent, except where:

• There is a safeguarding concern

• There is a legal obligation to disclose

• There is a serious risk of harm

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Safeguarding responsibilities always take precedence.

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6. Sharing of Information

We do not sell or share personal data with third parties.

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Information may be shared only:

• With officers of the Community (such as the Prior or Novice Director), where necessary for pastoral or administrative reasons

• With diocesan or episcopal authorities, where required by safeguarding or Church discipline

• Where required by law

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All such sharing is kept to the minimum necessary.

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7. Data Storage and Security

Personal information is stored securely, whether digitally or in paper form.

Access is limited to those with a clear responsibility for the Community’s life and governance.

 

We take reasonable steps to ensure data is accurate, up to date, and protected against unauthorised access.

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8. How Long We Keep Information

We retain personal data only for as long as it is necessary:

• Enquiry data is kept only while discernment is active

• Membership records are retained while a person is part of the Community

• Historical records may be retained for legitimate archival or ecclesial purposes

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You may request deletion of your personal data where appropriate.

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9. Your Rights

Under UK data protection law, you have the right to:

• Access the personal data we hold about you

• Request correction of inaccurate information

• Request deletion of your data (where applicable)

• Withdraw consent at any time

• Raise a concern about how your data is used

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Requests will be handled respectfully and promptly.​​

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10. Review of This Policy

This privacy policy may be reviewed periodically to ensure it remains accurate, lawful, and appropriate to the life of the Community.