The Church of England is preparing to issue guidance on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in churches, potentially allowing robots to write and deliver sermons. The General Synod, the church's legislative body, is drafting rules for the nation's 6,700 vicars on how to deploy AI technology.
Pope's Warning on AI
This move comes after Pope Leo XIV warned that AI threatens human dignity by turning ownership of personal data into a new form of "digital slavery." He stated it is "not permissible" to entrust lethal and irreversible decisions to AI and called for the technology to be disarmed to safeguard humanity.
Archbishop's Concerns
Archbishop of Canterbury Dame Sarah Mullally echoed these concerns last month in the House of Lords, describing AI as a "remarkable product of human creativity" but also finding "new ways of degrading and violating" humanity. She warned that AI regulation is "wholly inadequate" to prevent harm.
Guidelines for Vicars
Despite these concerns, the General Synod acknowledged that AI use is so widespread that guidelines should be issued for its adoption in churches. Some vicars have even suggested creating a specialist bishop for AI. In a written response, the Archbishop said the church needs to "examine its own conscience when it comes to questions of accountability, the exercise of power and shared responsibility within its own life."
Broader Response Needed
She added: "That too is part of the context in which any Anglican response to AI must now be worked out." Regarding the suggestion of a specialist bishop, she called it "a creative one" but indicated that a broader, long-term response, supported by theological, scientific and policy expertise, is needed to address emerging questions, including AI infrastructures in space.
