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Numerous religious leaders are paying attention to the rapid advancement of AI and are concerned that their congregations are not keeping up with establishing guidelines for utilizing ChatGPT, Google Gemini, and similar AI systems.
Several worries stem from the decentralized structure of various religious traditions, including evangelicalism and Judaism, leaders mentioned during the Athens Summit on AI Ethics in Greece on Wednesday.
My mind is racing at a million miles per hour," said Rev. Dr. Jeanette Salguero from the National Latino Evangelical Coalition. "Issues with AI chatbots disproportionately impact Black and Brown children. It's confusing to me that we aren't discussing this.
President of the 1st Amendment Partnership, Tim Schultz, referred to it as a lack of understanding among pastors and other church leaders.
"If a group or conference or religious organization requires assistance, contact those who have (a policy)," said Rev. Dr. Marian Edmonds-Allen.
The Rev. Dr. Salguero and other leaders shared optimism about gaining insights from the AI principles and policies currently influencing the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, yet they pointed out challenges in adopting similar approaches.
Some groups have developed their own guidelines, such as the Southern Baptist Convention and Reform rabbis, but according to Johnnie Moore, president of the Congress of Christian Leaders, it is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' centralized leadership that stands out as a model of efficiency and structure.
Some religious figures were taken aback, for instance, when they found out on Wednesday that members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints possess a General Handbook to direct their 32,000 local groups.
However, the decentralized structure of evangelicalism and Judaism makes it challenging to replicate those initiatives.
"Such centralization cannot be anticipated in Israel or Judaism," stated Dr. Doran "Dodie" Katz, the dean of the Truman Scholars Program at Tikvah, a Jewish educational organization.
The Rev. Dr. Salguero and Dr. Katz expressed those remarks during a conversation at a table that featured Elder Gerrit W. Gong from the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.
"Guidelines from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints regarding AI are quite detailed about the intended uses of AI," he mentioned during the discussion.
Elder Gong also shared with the group, which largely agreed, that leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believe individuals should not let artificial intelligence interfere with their personal connection to God.
Here is what the Church of Jesus Christ has released to assist in guidancenearly 18 million members around the world:
4 guidelines for the proper application of AI in church-related tasks
Senior leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints revised the General Handbook in December to offerfour guiding principles for AI use:
- If individuals utilize artificial intelligence, they should do so in a manner that is positive, beneficial, and encouraging, while maintaining the values, principles, and doctrines of the church.
- Artificial intelligence is unable to substitute the personal effort and spiritual direction needed to create talks, lessons, prayers, or blessings that come from a divine source. Nevertheless, AI can assist with research, editing, translation, and related activities.
- Leaders must avoid using AI to offer counsel to members regarding medical, financial, legal, or other delicate issues. When individuals require support that goes beyond the spiritual direction given by church leaders, it may be beneficial to consult qualified experts.
- Important details like church records, individual member information, or private messages should not be input into artificial intelligence systems that are not offered or controlled by the church.
The central theme is derived from the example set by Jesus Christ in the Bible, which involved strong connections with those around him:
The handbook states, 'He looked to his father for spiritual guidance. He depended on the scriptures and prayer. He only lived by and taught the things he had learned from his father.'
He shared a private and holy bond with his father. He prayed to his father, gained knowledge from him, and carried out his desires. Jesus also formed significant connections with others. He listened to them, engaged in conversations, recognized their needs, and provided assistance.
To view the AI-related section of the manual, go tosection 38.8.48 here.
Seven key guidelines that direct church staff members
The First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles have establishedseven fundamental guidelines for the application of artificial intelligencewithin the duties of church staff. Elder Gong released the guidelines in March 2024. They are divided into four categories:
Spiritual Connection
- The church will implement artificial intelligence to aid, rather than replace, the relationship between God and His followers.
- The congregation will apply artificial intelligence in beneficial, supportive, and inspiring manners that uphold the truthfulness, moral principles, ethical guidelines, beliefs, and benchmarks of the church.
Transparency
- Individuals engaging with the church will recognize when they are communicating with an artificial intelligence system.
- The church will credit the use of artificial intelligence in content creation when there is a risk that the origin, truthfulness, or creator of the content might be misinterpreted or cause confusion.
Privacy and Security
- The church's application of artificial intelligence will protect holy and private data.
Accountability
- The church employs artificial intelligence in a way that aligns with its policies and relevant legal regulations.
- The church will approach the use of artificial intelligence with care and intention, consistently testing and evaluating results to maintain accuracy, honesty, and adherence to guidelines.
Additional guidelines from church leaders
"AI is neither and cannot be God," Elder Gong stated in November, adding that the church is establishing limits that prohibit the use of AI in preparing speeches for the church's twice-yearly general conferences.
The church will also not employ AI to generate images of the divine, the apostle stated next.
Elder Gong serves as co-chair of the church's Correlation Executive Committee, which supervises an AI working group comprising multiple church departments.
This week in Athens, he presented an ambitious outlook on the potential AI holds for humanity, yet emphasized the need for developers to steer their AI technologies correctly.
"We won't unlock AI's complete potential until we ensure it is as ethically sound as it is powerful," he said.said.
He stated, "I desire that AI possesses an ethical guide that can motivate and empower individuals everywhere, granting them the opportunity to achieve positive outcomes and reach their highest potential."
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