The new working paper, published by the Swiss Evangelical Alliance (Schweizerische Evangelische Allianz/Sea), aims to guide leaders in churches, Christian organizations and ministries through complex ethical, theological and practical questions raised by Artificial Intelligence (AI). Developed by a group of experts of academics and engineers, this paper encourages a positive response to the growing impact of AI on the faith community.
A press release sent today (March 21) by the sea outlined how the rise of AI in all areas of life brings both enthusiasm and fear.
The expert group proposes an alternative approach to AI-related issues, and hopes that a working paper entitled Churches and Digitalization: Artificial Intelligence (AI) provides the basis for discussion and practical guidance.
“We can deal with AI now, or wait until the topic overwhelms us,” said Beat Ungricht, president of the sea.
The sea believes that AI can be used as a resource if applied responsibly to support and alleviate employees, before God, for the happiness of people.
The 78-page working paper examines a variety of theological, ethical, legal issues and practical guidelines related to AI. Topics include data protection, copyright, and legal implementation of AI tools.
The paper’s comprehensive assessment scrutinizes the fundamentals of challenges and opportunities for AI, theological perspectives, and leaders and staff within the church community.
The working paper acknowledges that future risks of emergencies that could pose existential threats to humanity cannot be entirely denied or affirmed. However, this paper explains that the reality of such results depends on how AI is used. Christians warn that these issues should not be ignored.
“Even if some of humanity approach technology, AI still spreads across the world, directly or indirectly affecting everyone,” says the Ocean Working Paper. “Literally, the “Pandora’s Box” that has opened can no longer be closed. ”
This paper reassures that many AI researchers are aware of potential risks and are actively working to mitigate them by developing systems that they consider safe and ethical.
“There are many organizations and research initiatives involved in so-called “safe AI” to ensure that AI systems are controllable and serve human interests,” the Working Paper adds. “Governments around the world are also working on AI regulation and ethical standards.”
Despite these efforts, there is no guarantee that AI will not be used destructively. However, the authors of the report believe that Christians can make a valuable contribution to protecting society against AI-related issues.
“Christians certainly help reduce the misuse of AI and reduce risk by using ethical principles and their beliefs as guidelines for responsible use of technology,” the author of the report adds.
These doctrines are explained as follows:
Promotion of ethical principles: “Christian values such as integrity, integrity, and charity serve as benchmarks to ensure that AI is developed and used in a responsible and equitable way.” Information and education to prevent misuse in church and missionary scenarios: “Christians can raise awareness of ethical issues and lead discussions about the moral implications of AI.” Responsible use modeling: Christians can become role models that responsibly use technology to benefit others. Use Technology to Help People: “Christians were able to view AI as a useful tool to improve people’s lives. Promotion of health, environmental protection and education to combat poverty supported by conscious commitment.” Political and social engagement: Christians can advocate with policymakers for robust political frameworks and related legal regulations to limit the misuse of AI and ensure its ethical use.
The report tells humans to cultivate and preserve the earth in Genesis, and concludes that tools are always serving that purpose. Similarly, AI is one such tool, and the Bible teaches that it should be used to honor God and serve others using resources.
“Each tool can be used for evil (for example, the invention of a knife), but it is called to make a difference and use the gift positively,” says the author of the Working Paper. “AI is not only capable of doing a lot of good things, but it is also a bad tool in this world. God teaches us to deal with the ‘talents’ that are entrusted to us and increase them rather than waste them. ”
According to the ocean, both professional daily and personal lives can be more and more affected by the use of AI. “Major investments in AI are made in almost every profession, with Gen Z and Alpha growing naturally with AI as if the tools were always there,” says Umi in an online introduction to the Working Paper.
In the church landscape, there is very little development of AI that looks advanced, and is far away between today, but according to the ocean, the possibilities are great.
“Let’s start thinking together visually. How can we use this resource so that it will be a blessing, for the presence of God, for our responsibility, for the happiness of our fellow humans, and for the support and salvation of our church and Christian organizations?” asks the sea.
Examples of positive use of AI outlined by the ocean include suggesting traffic routes to avoid crowding and avoid remote control of building technologies and home appliances.
The Sea is currently inviting churches and Christian organizations to engage in working papers and develops its own AI usage guidelines. A detailed review of this issue is planned for the next issue of Sea Fokus Magazine, scheduled to be released in the summer of 2025.
“Over the coming weeks and months, the extensive documentation will be split into smaller packages for individual target groups and various purposes,” Sea Press Release added. “A fact sheet is planned with a summary summary for pastors, leaders and staff, as well as practical tips and recommendations for guidelines on how to deal with AI.”
The working paper can be accessed online on the Sea website via this link.
