Privacy Policy

Last updated November, 2025

Introduction

This privacy policy explains the privacy practices of the Metropolitan Washington, D.C. Synod (“Metro D.C. Synod”) of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (“ELCA”) and how the Metro D.C. Synod protects your information.

This policy describes the types of information we may collect from you.

  1. This policy applies to the information we collect:
    On this Website (https://metrodcelca.org/)
  2. Via email, text, telephone, and other electronic communications

By accessing or using this Website, or by communicating with Metro D.C. Synod staff via email, text, telephone, or other electronic communication, you agree to this privacy policy. Please read this policy carefully to understand our policies and practices regarding your information and how we will treat it. If you do not agree with our policies and practices, you should not use our Website or communicate with us via email, text, telephone or other electronic communication. This policy may change from time to time. Your continued use of this Website after we make changes is deemed to be acceptance of those changes, so please check the policy periodically for updates.

Information We Collect About You and How We Collect It

We collect several types of information from and about users of our Website, and from those with whom we communicate via MailChimp, Elvanto, email, phone, SMS messaging, and other electronic communication, including information:

  1. by which you may be personally identified, such as name, postal address, email address, telephone number, screen name, or other identifier, or ANY OTHER INFORMATION THE WEBSITE COLLECTS THAT IS DEFINED AS PERSONAL OR PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION UNDER AN APPLICABLE LAW (“personal information”); and
  2. about your internet connection, the equipment you use to access our Website, and usage details.

We collect this information:

  1. Directly from you when you provide it to us; and
  2. Automatically, as you navigate through the site or communicate with us. Information collected automatically may include usage details, IP addresses, and information collected through cookies, web beacons, and other tracking technologies.

Information You Provide To Us

The information we collect on or through our Website, using forms, Elvanto, email, phone, SMS messaging, or other electronic communication, may include the following:

  1. Information that you provide. This includes information provided when purchasing materials, making donations, signing up for events, or asking to receive further information.
  2. Records and copies of your correspondence (including email addresses) if you contact us.
  3. Details of transactions you carry out through our Website and of fulfilling your orders or completing donations. You may be required to provide financial information before placing an order or donating through our Website.
  4. Your search queries on the Website.

How We Use Your Information

We may use information that we collect about you or that you provide to us, including any personal information:

  1. To present our Website and its contents to you;
  2. To provide you with information, products, or services that you request from us;
  3. To allow you to register for events and programs;
  4. To fulfill any other purpose for which you provide it;
  5. To enable you to make donations and for us to acknowledge them;
  6. To allow you to participate in interactive features on our Website; and
  7. For any other purpose with your consent.

Disclosure of Your Information

We may disclose aggregated information about our users and information that does not identify any individual without restriction.

We may disclose personal information that we collect or you provide as described in this privacy policy:

  1. To our affiliated Lutheran organizations, institutions, and agencies;
  2. To contractors, service providers, and other third parties we use to support our mission, and who are bound by contractual obligations to keep personal information confidential and use it only for the purposes for which we disclose it to them;
  3. With your consent.

We may also disclose your personal information:

  1. To comply with any court order, law, or legal process, including responding to any government or regulatory request.
  2. If we believe disclosure is necessary or appropriate to protect the rights, property, or safety of the Metro D.C. Synod, its employees, or others. This includes exchanging information with other companies and organizations for the purposes of fraud protection and credit risk reduction.

SMS Terms & Conditions

1. SMS Consent Communication:

Your SMS content and phone numbers are not shared with any third parties/affiliates for marketing purposes.

2. Types of SMS Communications:

If you have consented to receive text messages from the Metro D.C. Synod, you may receive messages related to the following:

  • Meeting reminders
  • Follow-up messages
  • Individual conversations
  • Billing reminders
  • Registration confirmations

3. Message Frequency:

Message frequency will vary. You may receive up to two SMS messages per week, depending on your event registrations or meeting frequencies.

4. Potential Fees for SMS Messaging:

Please note that standard message and data rates may apply, depending on your carrier’s pricing plan. These fees may vary if the message is sent domestically or internationally.

5. Opt-In Method:

You may opt in to receive SMS messages from the Metro D.C. Synod in the following ways:

  • Verbally, during a conversation
  • Responding to a registration form
  • Providing your telephone number
  • Signing up for our newsletter
  • Serving in a ministry group

6. Opt-Out Method:

You can opt out of receiving SMS messages at any time. To do so, simply reply “STOP” to any SMS message you receive.

7. Additional Options:

If you do not wish to receive SMS messages, you can choose not to check the SMS consent box on our forms.

8. Standard Messaging Disclosures:

  • Message and data rates may apply.
  • You can opt out at any time by texting “STOP.”
  • Message frequency may vary.

Disclaimer: SMS opt-in or phone numbers for the purpose of SMS are not being shared with any third party and affiliate company for marketing purposes.