A new working paper released by the Swiss Evangelical Alliance (Schweizerische Evangelische Allianz/SEA) aims to guide churches, Christian organizations, and ministry leaders through the complex ethical, theological and practical questions raised by artificial intelligence (AI). Developed by a specialist group of academics and technologists, the paper encourages a proactive response to the growing impact of AI on faith communities.
A press release by the SEA sent today (March 21) outlined that the rise of AI in all areas of life brings both enthusiasm and fear, particularly at the prospect that a “superintelligence” could take over the world and control human beings.
The specialist group has proposed an alternative approach to AI-related issues and hopes the working paper, titled Church & Digitalisation: Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the Church, will provide a 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 AI can be used as a resource if applied responsibly, “before God, for the well-being of people and to support and relieve employees.”
The 78-page working paper examines various theological, ethical and legal issues related to AI, along with practical guidelines. Topics include data protection, copyright, and legally sound implementation of AI tools.
A comprehensive evaluation in the paper scrutinizes the foundations of AI, theological perspectives, and the challenges and opportunities for leaders and staff within church communities.
The working paper acknowledges that no one can completely deny or affirm the future risk of a superintelligence, which could pose an existential threat to humanity. However, the paper explains that the reality of such an outcome depends on how AI is used. Christians, it warns, must not ignore these issues.
“Even if parts of humanity close themselves off to a technology, AI will still spread worldwide and affect everyone directly or indirectly,” states the SEA working paper. “Literally, the opened 'Pandora's box' can no longer be closed.”
The paper reassures that many AI researchers are aware of potential risks and are working actively to mitigate them by developing systems considered both safe and ethical.
“There are many organizations and research initiatives that are involved in the so-called 'secure AI' to ensure that AI systems remain controllable and serve human interests,” adds the working paper. “Governments around the world are also working on regulations and ethical standards for AI.”
Despite these efforts, there is no guarantee that AI will not be used destructively. Yet the report’s authors believe Christians can make a valuable contribution to safeguarding societies against AI-related problems.
“Christians can certainly help reduce the misuse of AI and mitigate the risks by using ethical principles and their beliefs as guidelines for the responsible use of technology,” the report’s authors add.
These tenets are explained as:
- Promoting ethical principles: “Christian values such as honesty, integrity and charity can serve as a benchmark to ensure that AI is developed and used in a responsible and equitable way.”
- Information and education to prevent misuse in church and ministry scenarios: “Christians can help raise awareness of ethical issues and lead discussions about the moral implications of AI.”
- Modeling responsible use: Christians can be role models in responsibly using the technology to benefit others.
- Using technology to serve people: “Christians could see AI as a tool that serves to improve people's lives. The promotion of health, environmental protection and education to combat poverty, supported by a conscious commitment.”
- Political and social engagement: Christians can advocate with policymakers for robust political frameworks and relevant legal regulations to limit the misuse of AI and ensure its ethical use.
The report concludes that God instructed humans to cultivate and preserve the Earth in the Book of Genesis, and that tools have always served that purpose. Similarly, AI is one such tool, and the Bible teaches that resources should be used to honor God and serve others.
“Although each tool can be used for good as well as for evil (e.g. the invention of the knife), we are called to make a difference and to use our gifts positively,” say the working paper’s authors. “AI is just such a tool that can do a lot of good, but also bad in this world. God teaches us to deal responsibly with the 'talents' entrusted to us and to increase them instead of squandering them.”
According to the SEA, both professional and private everyday lives are likely to be increasingly influenced by the use of AI. “Massive investments in AI are being made in almost all professions, and Generations Z and Alpha are growing up with AI as naturally as if the tool had always been there,” states the SEA in an online introduction to the working paper.
In the church landscape, forward-looking AI developments are very few and far between today, but the potential is great, according to the SEA.
“Let us begin to think visionarily together: How can we use this resource in our responsibility before God, for the well-being of our fellow human beings and for the support and relief of employees in churches and Christian organizations in such a way that it becomes a blessing?” the SEA asks.
Examples of AI's positive use outlined by the SEA include suggesting traffic routes to avoid congestion and remotely controlling building technology and household appliances.
The SEA has now invited churches and Christian organizations to engage with the working paper and develop their own AI-use guidelines. A detailed review of the issues is planned for the next issue of SEA Fokus magazine, set to be published in summer 2025.
“Over the next few weeks and months, the extensive document will be broken down into smaller packages for the individual target groups and different purposes,” added the SEA press release. “A summary overview for pastors, leaders and staff, a fact sheet with practical tips and recommendations for guidelines on how to deal with AI are planned.”
The working paper can be accessed online at the SEA website via this link.
