Cookie Policy
Last reviewed: 25 April 2026
This Cookie Policy explains how Madonna Ministry uses cookies and similar technologies on our website. It should be read alongside our Privacy Policy. By continuing to use our website, you consent to the use of strictly necessary cookies. For analytics and marketing cookies, we ask for your explicit consent via the cookie banner.
What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files placed on your device when you visit a website. They are widely used to make websites work efficiently, to provide functionality (such as remembering your preferences), and to provide information to website owners. They do not carry viruses or malware.
Some cookies are set by us (first-party cookies); others are set by third-party services we use (third-party cookies), such as Google Analytics or YouTube. We do not control third-party cookies directly, but we take steps to ensure they are used responsibly.
The Cookies We Use
Strictly Necessary Cookies
These cookies are essential for the website to function correctly. They cannot be switched off in our systems and do not require your consent under UK GDPR (Recital 25 of the ePrivacy Directive). They are usually set in response to actions you take, such as submitting a form or setting your cookie preferences.
| Cookie Name | Purpose | Duration | Provider |
|---|---|---|---|
session_id | Maintains your session as you navigate the website | Session (expires when browser is closed) | Madonna Ministry (first party) |
csrf_token | Protects contact forms against cross-site request forgery | Session | Madonna Ministry (first party) |
cookie_consent | Stores your cookie consent preferences | 12 months | Madonna Ministry (first party) |
Analytics Cookies
These cookies allow us to count visits to the website and to understand how visitors find and use our content. The information is aggregated and anonymous — we cannot identify individual visitors from analytics data. We use Google Analytics. These cookies are switched off by default and are only placed if you consent via the cookie banner.
| Cookie Name | Purpose | Duration | Provider |
|---|---|---|---|
_ga | Google Analytics — distinguishes unique users | 2 years | Google LLC |
_ga_[ID] | Google Analytics — maintains session state | 2 years | Google LLC |
_gid | Google Analytics — distinguishes users over a 24-hour period | 24 hours | Google LLC |
_gat | Google Analytics — throttles request rate | 1 minute | Google LLC |
Third-Party / Embedded Content Cookies
These cookies are set by third-party services embedded in our pages — such as YouTube sermon videos and Google Maps. We have no direct control over them, but enabling this category allows these embeds to function correctly. They are switched off by default. When off, embedded content is replaced with a placeholder requiring you to click to consent before loading.
| Cookie Name | Purpose | Duration | Provider |
|---|---|---|---|
YSC | YouTube — tracks views of embedded YouTube videos | Session | Google LLC (YouTube) |
VISITOR_INFO1_LIVE | YouTube — estimates bandwidth on pages with embedded YouTube videos | 6 months | Google LLC (YouTube) |
NID | Google Maps — personalises map display for embedded Google Maps | 6 months | Google LLC |
How to Manage Your Cookie Preferences
Cookie banner:When you first visit our website, you will be shown a cookie banner where you can accept or decline optional cookies. You can change your preferences at any time by clicking “Cookie Settings” in the footer of any page.
Browser settings: You can also manage cookies directly through your browser settings. Most browsers allow you to refuse cookies, delete existing cookies, and be notified when a cookie is placed. Note that disabling all cookies may affect website functionality.
For more information about cookies generally, visit allaboutcookies.org.
Questions?
If you have any questions about our use of cookies, please contact us at data@madonnaministry.org.uk or see our full Privacy Policy.