Privacy Policy

1. Information We Collect

We collect only the information needed to operate the Church Writings website, mobile application, and related services.

Information you provide or save:

• Account information, including your email address, optional first and last name, authentication identifiers, and verification status. Authentication and account management are handled by Clerk.
• Saved highlights, highlight locations and surrounding text, and custom highlight styles when you use an account.
• Messages or support requests you choose to send us.
• Reader preferences, recent-reading history, open reader tabs, and a randomly generated Bible-reporting identifier may be stored locally on your device or browser.

2. Mobile Bible and Audio Reporting

Some Bible text and audio is provided under licenses administered through API.Bible. Those licenses require the app to report scripture views and audio listens through API.Bible's Fair Use Management System (FUMS).

• The mobile app sends API.Bible a FUMS content token, a randomly generated device identifier, and a randomly generated identifier for the current app session when covered Bible content is viewed or played.
• The random device identifier is stored on the device. Church Writings does not intentionally attach your Church Writings account ID, name, or email address to these FUMS reports.
• API.Bible may also receive ordinary network information, such as your IP address and request metadata, when the report is transmitted.

3. Website Analytics and Technical Data

On the website, we may use PostHog to understand aggregate product usage. Our services and infrastructure providers may also process technical information needed to deliver and secure requests.

• Pages or features used and interactions with website features
• Browser, device, operating-system, and approximate network information
• IP address, timestamps, request metadata, and security or error logs
• We do not use the mobile app to access Apple's advertising identifier and we do not sell personal information.

4. How We Use Information

We use information only to provide, secure, maintain, and improve Church Writings.

• Create and manage your account
• Authenticate users and maintain secure sessions
• Save and synchronize highlights across devices
• Deliver Bible text, audio, search, dictionary, and library features
• Operate, troubleshoot, and improve the website, app, and supporting services
• Prevent fraud, abuse, or security threats
• Respond to support requests and communicate important service information
• Meet content-license, legal, and compliance obligations

5. Service Providers and Sharing

We do not sell, rent, or trade personal information. We share information only with service providers that help us operate Church Writings, when you direct us to, or when required by law.

• Clerk — authentication, identity management, and account deletion
• Neon — application database hosting for account records and saved highlights
• PostHog — website analytics and product-usage measurement
• API.Bible and FUMS — licensed Bible content, audio, and required usage reporting
• Hosting, networking, and security providers that process requests and operational logs
• Government authorities or other parties when disclosure is required by applicable law or necessary to protect the rights, security, and integrity of Church Writings or its users

6. Data Retention and Account Deletion

We retain account and saved-content data while your account remains active and retain operational records only as long as reasonably necessary for security, reliability, legal, and backup purposes.

You can initiate permanent account deletion in the Church Writings mobile app by opening Me, choosing Settings, choosing Account, and selecting Delete Account.

• Account deletion removes your Clerk identity and the Church Writings database record associated with it, including your profile, saved highlights, and custom highlight styles.
• Locally stored reading preferences and recent-reading history are not account records and may remain on a device until the app is removed or its local storage is cleared.
• Security logs and encrypted backups may retain limited information temporarily until their ordinary expiration.
• If deletion does not complete in the app, contact us using the information below.

7. Security

We use reasonable technical and organizational safeguards, including encrypted network connections, managed authentication, restricted infrastructure access, and database security controls. No system can guarantee complete security.

8. Informational Content

Church Writings provides historical, theological, and academic materials for informational and educational purposes.

Content available on the platform may include but is not limited to historical texts, translations, commentary, or AI-assisted tools. While we strive for accuracy, we make no guarantees regarding completeness, accuracy, or interpretation of the content.

Use of the platform and its materials is at the user's discretion.

9. Your Privacy Rights

Depending on your jurisdiction, you may have rights regarding your personal data, including but not limited to the right to:

• Request access to your personal data
• Request correction of inaccurate data
• Request deletion of your personal data
• Object to or restrict certain data processing
• Exercise applicable rights by using in-app account deletion or the contact information below.

10. International Users

For users located in the European Economic Area (EEA), United Kingdom, or other jurisdictions with data protection laws:

Depending on the feature and context, we process personal data to perform our agreement with you, based on legitimate interests in operating and securing the service, to comply with legal obligations, or with consent where required.

• Data may be processed in the United States or other jurisdictions where our service providers operate.
• Where required, we rely on appropriate legal mechanisms for international transfers.

11. California Privacy Rights

California residents may request:

• Disclosure of personal information collected about them
• Deletion of their personal information
• Confirmation that Church Writings does not sell or share personal information for cross-context behavioral advertising

12. Children's Privacy

Church Writings is not directed to children under 13.

We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If such information is discovered, we will remove it as soon as reasonably possible.

13. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically.

Any updates will be posted on this page with a revised “Last Updated” date. If a change materially affects how we use personal information, we will provide additional notice when appropriate.