Faith Leaders Call for Human-Controlled and Ethical AI
Faith Leaders Call for Human-Controlled and Ethical AI
Christian and Jewish leaders have issued a landmark statement urging that artificial intelligence be developed and used responsibly, with human dignity at the center. They stress that AI must remain under human control, prevent harm, and reflect moral and ethical principles.
The statement was signed at a summit in Rome hosted by the American Security Foundation on October 23. Among the signatories was Kristine Torjesen, President of BioLogos, the faith and science organization founded by biologist and apologist Francis Collins. Other participants included Rev. Dr. Walter Kim, President of the National Association of Evangelicals, Rev. Johnnie Moore of the Congress of Christian Leaders, Gabriel Salguero of the National Latino Evangelical Coalition, Micah Goodman of the Shalom Hartman Institute and Rabbi David Bashevkin of 18Forty.
In their joint declaration, the leaders explained their reason for speaking out. They called for a thoughtful and informed discussion about AI, echoing Pope Leo XIV’s call for “serene and informed conversation” about technological advancement. They stressed that people are made in the image of God and therefore have inherent dignity and responsibility.
The statement highlighted the historical importance of human rights. It recalled that after two world wars, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was adopted in 1948 and has since guided ethical considerations around technological development. Today, the leaders argued, AI must also be shaped to uphold those same principles.
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“In a world where AI is advancing rapidly, it is the duty of governments, companies, and people of faith to ensure that AI protects human dignity and promotes flourishing,” the statement said. “AI must remain secure, ethical, and under human control.”
The faith leaders referenced Pope Francis’ 2020 Rome Call for AI Ethics, emphasizing that progress should serve both humanity and the planet. They stressed that AI should include every human being, act in the interest of all people, and respect the balance of the natural world.
Torjesen, writing for BioLogos, explained that AI can be a powerful tool but is not neutral. “Like all technology, AI can be used for great good or great harm,” she wrote. She said AI is already shaping how people live, learn, and interact with one another. Without careful guidance, it could deepen inequality and harm vulnerable populations.
The declaration urges AI development that aligns with human values. It calls for systems that are accurate, transparent, secure, and respect privacy while promoting the common good. Leaders also emphasized the need for independent evaluation of AI systems and safeguards for children and other vulnerable groups.
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“AI is influencing human relationships in profound ways,” the statement said. “Unreliable systems undermine judgment and perpetuate bias. Efficiency-focused AI ignores nuances, especially when tackling complex problems. Faith communities have a responsibility to ensure AI serves humans and does not replace moral responsibility.”
The leaders also called for discernment when it comes to spiritual life. They stressed that technology should enhance rather than diminish humanity’s spiritual experience. They warned against treating AI as an object of worship or idolizing its achievements.
The statement addressed the potential dangers of super intelligent AI, which could outperform humans in most cognitive tasks. The faith leaders argued that the world must set moral boundaries before developing such technology. They said AI must only advance once it is safe, controllable, and aligned with public interest. “AI must remain a tool for humans,” the statement read. “Only then can it truly serve humanity.”
Torjesen explained that faith motivates responsible AI use. She said Christians have a duty to love their neighbors, protect the vulnerable, and care for the environment. “If AI is applied thoughtfully, it can help solve major problems like climate change and public health challenges,” she said. “But used carelessly, it could make these problems worse.”
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The BioLogos president warned about the influence of AI on everyday life. Millions of people consult AI systems like ChatGPT daily, and these interactions shape how humans see each other and the world. When AI answers with bias or lacks nuance, it can misrepresent people and harm societal trust. Vulnerable groups, in particular, are at risk of being misled or discriminated against.
Concerns also extend to AI-enabled surveillance. Torjesen cited examples of facial recognition technology being used to target ethnic and religious minorities. She raised questions about AI in military applications and the potential for autonomous weapons. The statement called on governments to ensure AI is used to protect civil rights rather than violate them.
Faith leaders stressed that AI must be aligned with human dignity in a broad sense. It should respect culture, emotions, work, and the environment. Its development should reflect ethical guidance and the principles of faith. “AI can be a force for good if we guide it wisely,” Torjesen said. “It must serve people, not replace the human judgment that is central to our society.”
The declaration marks a growing effort among faith communities to participate in debates about emerging technologies. It calls for global collaboration to establish clear moral boundaries and ensure that AI supports human welfare rather than undermines it.
In summary, the leaders warned that AI has the potential to reshape human life in profound ways. They called for vigilance, discernment, and ethical oversight. For them, technology should always remain a tool in the hands of humans, guided by moral responsibility, respect for human dignity, and commitment to the common good.
Content Credit : Boluwatife Abiola
Image Credit : Google. Com
