In recent years, a growing number of organizations that publicly proclaim Christian values have come under scrutiny for utilizing services from companies that actively promote abortion access, transgender services, and LGBTQ+ issues. This practice raises significant ethical questions and highlights a stark contrast between the values these organizations claim to uphold and the practices they engage in.
Contrasting Values: Christian Organizations vs. Service Providers
Christian organizations often emphasize values such as the sanctity of life, traditional family structures, and biblical morality. For instance, World Vision, a prominent Christian humanitarian organization, outlines its mission to follow Jesus Christ and promote human transformation, justice, and the good news of the Kingdom of God [5]. Similarly, Pro-Life Payments, a Christian credit card processing company, donates 15% of its revenue to pro-life causes, ensuring that financial transactions align with Christian values [1] [4].
In stark contrast, organizations like the National Abortion Federation (NAF) and The Trevor Project advocate for services and rights that fundamentally oppose these Christian values. The NAF supports abortion providers and helps women access abortions [2]. The Trevor Project focuses on suicide prevention and crisis support for LGBTQ+ youth, promoting acceptance and support for diverse sexual orientations and gender identities [3].
Recent Controversies and Ethical Concerns
The ethical dissonance becomes particularly evident when Christian organizations utilize the services of companies like PayPal, Stripe, Blackbaud, Qgiv or Square, which support abortion access and LGBTQ+ rights. For example, PayPal has been known to support various progressive causes, including LGBTQ+ rights and abortion access, which contradicts the pro-life stance of many Christian organizations [1].
This contradiction is not just a matter of differing values but also of financial support. By using these services, Christian organizations inadvertently contribute to the funding of activities they fundamentally oppose. This raises questions about the integrity and consistency of their proclaimed values.
The Case for Values-Driven Commerce
For Christian organizations and individuals seeking to align their financial transactions with their values, there are full-service alternatives that do not require compromising on service, options, or standards. Pro-Life Payments is a notable example of a company that provides comprehensive payment processing solutions and donor management tools while adhering to Christian and pro-life principles. This company offers competitive rates, ease of use, and a commitment to donating a significant portion of its revenue to pro-life causes [1] [4].
Options for Christian Customers
Christian customers looking for alternatives to mainstream service providers can consider several options that align with their values:
- Pro-Life Payments: Offers a range of payment processing services while donating 15% of its revenue to pro-life causes, ensuring that financial transactions support the sanctity of life [1] [4].
- Christian Credit Unions: Many Christian credit unions provide banking services that align with biblical principles, ensuring that funds are not used to support activities contrary to Christian values.
- Ethical Investment Funds: These funds allow investors to put their money into ventures that align with their moral and ethical beliefs, avoiding companies that support abortion, LGBTQ+ rights, or other conflicting issues.
By choosing these alternatives, Christian organizations and individuals can ensure that their financial practices are consistent with their values, promoting integrity and moral alignment in every aspect of their operations. This approach not only supports their ethical stance but also fosters a community of like-minded businesses and individuals committed to values-driven commerce.
Citations:
[1] https://prolifepayments.com
[3] https://www.thetrevorproject.org
[5] https://www.worldvision.org/about-us/mission-statement
[6] https://www.hrc.org/press-releases/roundup-speaker-mike-johnsons-extreme-record-dominates-coverage
[7] https://get.tithe.ly/blog/7-christian-companies-that-inspire-us-now
[8] https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/oct/27/mike-johnson-christian-bible-lgbtq-abortion-rights