Source: Oikoumene

The article reports on an international conference held in Athens from December 15 to 18, 2024 and organized by the World Council of Churches, exploring the intersection of artificial intelligence, faith, and ethics. Participants from diverse religious and cultural backgrounds discussed how AI impacts spirituality, community practices, and the ethical dilemmas it introduces.

Key themes included the use of AI in enhancing accessibility to religious services, such as virtual sermons and prayer tools, and its role in fostering global interfaith dialogue. However, concerns were raised about the misuse of AI in spreading misinformation, reinforcing biases, and undermining human dignity.

The conference also addressed the ethical responsibilities of AI developers, urging them to consider the broader societal and spiritual impacts of their technologies. Panelists highlighted the need for inclusive AI systems that respect cultural and religious diversity while promoting fairness and transparency.

The event concluded with a call for collaboration between technologists and faith leaders to develop guidelines that ensure AI serves humanity ethically and inclusively, aligning with universal values of justice and compassion.