Terms of Use

1. Acceptance of Terms

By accessing and using the URCAO-RECOMSWA website (www.recomswa.org), you accept and agree to be bound by these Terms of Use and our Privacy Policy. If you do not agree to these terms, please do not use our website.

These terms apply to all visitors, users, and others who access or use our services, including but not limited to:

• Visitors browsing our website
• Members of religious congregations
• Event participants and registrants
• Newsletter subscribers
• Partners and collaborators

2. Use License

2.1 Grant of License

URCAO-RECOMSWA grants you a limited, non-exclusive, non-transferable, revocable license to access and use our website for personal, non-commercial purposes, subject to these Terms of Use.

2.2 Restrictions

Under this license, you may not:

• Modify or copy the materials on our website
• Use the materials for any commercial purpose or public display
• Attempt to decompile or reverse engineer any software on our website
• Remove any copyright or proprietary notations from materials
• Transfer the materials to another person or "mirror" the materials on any other server
• Use automated systems or software to extract data from our website (scraping)

2.3 License Termination

This license shall automatically terminate if you violate any of these restrictions. Upon termination, you must immediately destroy any downloaded materials in your possession.

3. User Obligations

3.1 Accurate Information

You agree to provide accurate, current, and complete information when:

• Registering for membership
• Signing up for events
• Subscribing to newsletters
• Submitting contact forms
• Making inquiries

3.2 Account Security

If you create an account on our website, you are responsible for:

• Maintaining the confidentiality of your login credentials
• All activities that occur under your account
• Notifying us immediately of any unauthorized use

3.3 Lawful Use

You agree to use our website only for lawful purposes and in accordance with these Terms of Use and applicable laws and regulations.

4. Intellectual Property Rights

4.1 Ownership

All content on this website, including but not limited to text, graphics, logos, images, audio clips, video, data compilations, and software, is the property of URCAO-RECOMSWA or its content suppliers and is protected by international copyright, trademark, and other intellectual property laws.

4.2 Trademarks

URCAO-RECOMSWA, RECOMSWA, and related logos are trademarks of the Regional Union Conferences of Major Superiors of West Africa. You may not use these trademarks without our prior written permission.

4.3 Permitted Use

You may download, print, or store content from our website for your personal, non-commercial use, provided that you:

• Do not modify the content in any way
• Retain all copyright and proprietary notices
• Do not use the content in a manner that suggests endorsement by URCAO-RECOMSWA

5. Prohibited Conduct

You agree not to engage in any of the following prohibited activities:

5.1 Unlawful Activities

• Violating any applicable local, state, national, or international law
• Infringing on intellectual property rights
• Engaging in fraud or misrepresentation

5.2 Harmful Activities

• Transmitting viruses, malware, or any other harmful code
• Attempting to gain unauthorized access to our systems
• Interfering with or disrupting our website or servers
• Using automated systems to access the website excessively

5.3 Offensive Content

• Posting or transmitting offensive, defamatory, or inappropriate content
• Harassing, threatening, or intimidating others
• Impersonating any person or entity
• Posting content that is blasphemous or contrary to Catholic teaching

5.4 Commercial Misuse

• Using our website for unauthorized commercial purposes
• Advertising or selling products or services without permission
• Soliciting other users for commercial purposes

6. User-Generated Content

6.1 Content Submission

Our website may allow you to submit content such as comments, testimonials, or inquiries. By submitting content, you grant URCAO-RECOMSWA a worldwide, non-exclusive, royalty-free license to use, reproduce, modify, and distribute your content in connection with our mission and services.

6.2 Content Standards

All user content must:

• Be truthful and accurate
• Comply with applicable laws
• Respect the rights of others
• Be consistent with Catholic values and teachings
• Be appropriate for a religious organization's platform

6.3 Content Monitoring

We reserve the right to monitor, review, edit, or remove any user content that violates these Terms of Use or that we determine, in our sole discretion, to be inappropriate.

6.4 No Endorsement

We do not endorse any user content and are not responsible for the accuracy or reliability of any opinions, advice, or statements made by users.

7. Disclaimers

7.1 "As Is" Basis

Our website and services are provided "as is" and "as available" without warranties of any kind, either express or implied, including but not limited to warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, or non-infringement.

7.2 No Warranty of Accuracy

While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we do not warrant that:

• The website will be uninterrupted or error-free
• Defects will be corrected
• The website or servers are free of viruses or harmful components
• The information provided is complete or accurate

7.3 Religious Content

Content on our website reflects the Catholic faith and teachings. While we strive for theological accuracy, this website is not a substitute for official Church documents or authoritative teaching. For definitive Catholic doctrine, consult the Catechism of the Catholic Church and official Vatican documents.

7.4 External Resources

Information about events, programs, or initiatives is subject to change. We recommend contacting us directly to confirm current details before making travel or other arrangements.

8. Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, URCAO-RECOMSWA, its leadership, members, employees, and affiliates shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages, including but not limited to:

• Loss of profits, data, or use
• Loss of goodwill or business opportunity
• Service interruption
• Computer damage or system failure

This limitation applies regardless of the legal theory upon which the claim is based, whether in contract, tort, negligence, strict liability, or otherwise, even if we have been advised of the possibility of such damages.

In jurisdictions that do not allow the exclusion or limitation of liability for consequential or incidental damages, our liability is limited to the maximum extent permitted by law.

9. Third-Party Links and Content

9.1 External Links

Our website may contain links to third-party websites that are not owned or controlled by URCAO-RECOMSWA. We have no control over, and assume no responsibility for, the content, privacy policies, or practices of any third-party websites.

9.2 No Endorsement

The inclusion of any link does not imply endorsement by URCAO-RECOMSWA. We are not responsible for examining or evaluating the content or accuracy of third-party materials.

9.3 User Responsibility

You acknowledge and agree that you access third-party websites at your own risk and should review their terms of use and privacy policies.

10. Indemnification

You agree to defend, indemnify, and hold harmless URCAO-RECOMSWA, its officers, directors, employees, members, affiliates, and agents from and against any claims, liabilities, damages, judgments, awards, losses, costs, expenses, or fees (including reasonable attorneys' fees) arising out of or relating to:

• Your violation of these Terms of Use
• Your violation of any rights of another party
• Your violation of any applicable laws or regulations
• Your use or misuse of the website
• Any content you submit or transmit through the website

11. Termination

11.1 Our Right to Terminate

We reserve the right to terminate or suspend your access to our website, without prior notice or liability, for any reason, including but not limited to:

• Breach of these Terms of Use
• Engaging in prohibited conduct
• Providing false or misleading information
• Behavior that is harmful to other users or our organization

11.2 Effect of Termination

Upon termination:

• Your right to use the website will immediately cease
• All provisions of these Terms that should reasonably survive termination will remain in effect
• We may delete your account and any associated content

11.3 Your Right to Discontinue Use

You may discontinue using our website at any time. If you wish to delete your account or information, please contact us at secretariat@recomswa.org.

12. Governing Law and Jurisdiction

12.1 Applicable Law

These Terms of Use shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Republic of Benin, without regard to its conflict of law provisions.

12.2 Jurisdiction

You agree that any legal action or proceeding arising out of or relating to these Terms of Use or your use of the website shall be brought exclusively in the courts located in Cotonou, Republic of Benin, and you consent to the personal jurisdiction of such courts.

12.3 Ecclesiastical Authority

As a Catholic organization, URCAO-RECOMSWA operates under the spiritual authority of the Catholic Church and in accordance with Canon Law. Matters related to religious practices, membership in religious congregations, or ecclesial governance may be subject to Canon Law and the authority of competent Church officials.

12.4 Dispute Resolution

Before initiating any legal proceedings, we encourage parties to attempt to resolve disputes through good faith negotiation and mediation in accordance with Christian principles of reconciliation.

13. Severability

If any provision of these Terms of Use is found to be unlawful, void, or unenforceable, that provision shall be deemed severable from these Terms and shall not affect the validity and enforceability of any remaining provisions.

14. Waiver

Our failure to enforce any right or provision of these Terms of Use will not be considered a waiver of those rights. Any waiver of any provision of these Terms will be effective only if in writing and signed by an authorized representative of URCAO-RECOMSWA.

15. Entire Agreement

These Terms of Use, together with our Privacy Policy and any other legal notices published by us on the website, constitute the entire agreement between you and URCAO-RECOMSWA concerning your use of the website and supersede all prior agreements and understandings.

16. Changes to These Terms

16.1 Right to Modify

We reserve the right to modify or replace these Terms of Use at any time at our sole discretion. Changes may be necessary due to:

• Changes in applicable laws or regulations
• Evolution of our services and website
• Improvements to user experience
• Security or technical requirements

16.2 Notification of Changes

When we make material changes to these Terms, we will:

• Update the "Last Updated" date at the top of this page
• Post a prominent notice on our website
• Notify registered users via email when appropriate

16.3 Acceptance of Changes

Your continued use of the website after any changes to these Terms of Use constitutes your acceptance of the new Terms. If you do not agree to the modified terms, you must stop using the website.

16.4 Review Responsibility

It is your responsibility to review these Terms periodically for changes. We recommend checking this page regularly to stay informed of any updates.

17. Special Provisions

17.1 Religious Nature

URCAO-RECOMSWA is a Catholic religious organization. Our website reflects Catholic values, teachings, and mission. By using our website, you acknowledge and respect its religious nature and purpose.

17.2 Language

These Terms of Use may be available in multiple languages. In case of any discrepancy between language versions, the English version shall prevail.

17.3 Assignment

You may not assign or transfer these Terms or your rights and obligations under them without our prior written consent. We may assign these Terms without restriction.

17.4 Force Majeure

We shall not be liable for any failure or delay in performance of our obligations under these Terms due to circumstances beyond our reasonable control, including but not limited to acts of God, natural disasters, war, civil unrest, government actions, or technical failures.

18. Contact Information

If you have any questions about these Terms of Use, please contact us:

19. Acknowledgment