> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.thefaithapp.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Pastoral prayer protects confidential care

> Members can share an encrypted prayer request with a smaller, permission-controlled pastoral team.

# Pastoral prayer protects confidential care

*July 23, 2026*

[Back to changelog](/changelog/index)

Members can now choose `Pastoral team only` when a prayer request needs a
smaller confidentiality boundary than the general leaders-only workflow.

## What's New

* Members see a clear privacy explanation before sharing with the pastoral
  team.
* Churches can grant private pastoral prayer access separately from ordinary
  Prayer Requests access.
* Authorized caregivers can coordinate urgency and follow-up from the existing
  prayer workspace.
* The request shows a safe access history so authorized staff can understand
  when it was viewed or acted on.

## Privacy by Default

Pastoral prayer content is encrypted and stays out of Prayer Walls,
prayer-team lists and emails, Prayer Rooms, general exports, and AI tools.
Notifications use a general message without the prayer, identity, or contact
details.

Pastoral exports contain workflow metadata only. After a request is answered,
withdrawn, or rejected, the encrypted content is retained for the church's
configured period and then removed while the minimal accountability history
remains.