Gallup, N.M., Nov 6, 2019 / 16:01 pm
The Diocese of Gallup has chosen to stop using Zoom Video Communications for its internet meetings, citing the company's support of abortion rights.
Eric Yuan, the founder and CEO of Zoom, was among the 187 executives who signed a letter that appeared a full-page ad in the New York Times June 10 criticizing regulations on abortion passed by state legislatures.
"Due to the company's vocal support for abortion, the Diocese of Gallup has ceased all business with Zoom and will instead be seeking the use of an alternative platform for online meetings and presentations," read a letter sent to the diocese's schools and parishes.
The diocese's education office had been utilizing Zoom for several years.
While acknowledging that "our monthly transactions with Zoom were not large," the diocese said that "large or small, we cannot contribute to a company with anti-life policies."
"It is distressing that the CEOs who paid for the ad call abortion restrictions 'bad for business', as if the life of a human being can be measured solely in monetary and economic value. We wholeheartedly reject this view."
The Gallup diocese stated: "Each human, made in the image and likeness of God, is inherently worthy and has a right to life, from conception to natural death. We do not want to lose even a single future child, future student, future mother, father, sister or brother to abortion."
"In providing the highest-quality Catholic education to our students, we must also strive to follow Christ and the teachings of his Church. We cannot truly be Christlike if we cooperate with evil or provide monetary support – even in the smallest amount - to other companies and institutions who promote and foster abortion, euthanasia, or other anti-life actions," the diocese added.
The diocese has indicated that several Catholic companies and groups also use Zoom for video conferencing, and hopes that its decision may raise awareness of the company's stance on abortion.
