As artificial intelligence seamlessly integrates into the fabric of modern society, its potential to reshape communication and connection has prompted a critical examination within religious institutions. In a recent landmark seminar organized by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), Church leaders and technology experts convened to chart a course for the ethical integration of AI into evangelization and pastoral duties. The central theme emerging from this dialogue was a resolute affirmation of human-centric ministry, positioning AI as a supportive tool rather than a substitute for the irreplaceable value of personal encounters. The consensus was clear: while technology can be a powerful servant in spreading a message, the core of pastoral work—communion—relies on a human touch that algorithms cannot replicate, ensuring that the mission remains grounded in empathy and authentic relationships in an increasingly automated world.
Navigating the Digital Frontier
The Imperative of Relational Ministry
A foundational principle articulated during the seminar was that technology must always serve humanity, never supplant it. Edwin Lopez, the executive secretary of the CBCP Episcopal Commission on Social Communications, encapsulated this guiding philosophy with the statement, “Technology serves. Communion saves.” This perspective underscores a critical distinction between the dissemination of information and the fostering of genuine spiritual connection. Speakers warned against the temptation to view AI as a replacement for pastoral presence, arguing that evangelization is an inherently relational act. The ultimate model for this, as Lopez highlighted, is the Incarnation—the belief that God became human to form a personal relationship with humanity, rather than simply sending a disembodied message. This theological framework insists that any use of technology in the Church’s mission must ultimately lead people toward a personal encounter with others and with the divine, a goal that transcends the capabilities of automated systems and emphasizes the sanctity of human interaction.
The practical implications of this principle are profound, cautioning that an over-reliance on AI could inadvertently devalue the very human elements that define pastoral care. The essence of ministry involves presence, empathy, and accompaniment through life’s complex journeys—qualities that are intrinsically human. Treating AI as more than an administrative or communicative aid risks reducing spiritual guidance to a transactional exchange of data, stripping it of its warmth and authenticity. The seminar participants stressed that while an AI might be able to answer factual questions or organize schedules, it cannot offer a compassionate ear, discern the unspoken needs of a parishioner, or provide the comfort of shared vulnerability. The danger lies in creating an illusion of connection that is ultimately hollow, fostering a form of digital interaction that lacks the depth and substance of a real pastoral relationship. Therefore, the integration of AI must be approached with a clear understanding of its limitations, ensuring it enhances, rather than erodes, the Church’s capacity for authentic human communion.
A New Epoch for Evangelization
The discourse at the seminar framed the rise of artificial intelligence not merely as a technological advancement but as a profound societal shift, a “change of epoch” that is reshaping culture, communication, and human self-understanding. This new reality presents the Church with a vast and unfamiliar mission field. Archbishop Rex Andrew Alarcon, chairman of the commission, emphasized that navigating this new landscape requires Church leaders to be dually equipped with both technical awareness and a robust ethical framework. The challenge is not simply to adopt new tools but to understand the deeper cultural and anthropological changes being driven by AI. This includes recognizing how algorithms influence thought, shape social interactions, and even alter perceptions of truth and reality. Engaging with this new epoch demands a proactive and discerning approach, one that seeks to understand the digital environment in order to effectively minister within it, rather than simply observing from the sidelines or adopting technology without critical reflection on its human impact.
This evolving digital landscape calls for a renewed focus on formation and education within the Church, ensuring that clergy and laity alike are prepared to engage with technology in a morally responsible manner. The seminar highlighted the necessity of integrating digital literacy and ethical training into seminary education and ongoing ministerial development programs. Archbishop Alarcon cautioned that technological progress devoid of corresponding moral reflection poses a significant risk to human dignity, potentially leading to a society where efficiency is valued over empathy and data is prioritized over discernment. The goal is to cultivate a mindset where AI tools are seen as aids to human judgment, not replacements for it. By fostering a deep understanding of both the potential and the perils of AI, the Church aims to empower its leaders to use these tools to build bridges and foster community, all while safeguarding the core principles of its mission in a world that increasingly needs a reminder of its own humanity.
Upholding Human Dignity in a Technological Age
An Ethical Compass for Innovation
The central ethical imperative that emerged from the discussions was the non-negotiable priority of human dignity. The Church’s approach to AI must be guided by a firm commitment to ensuring that technology serves the person and the common good, rather than the other way around. This involves a continuous process of moral discernment, questioning not only what AI can do but what it should do. Archbishop Alarcon stressed that without a strong ethical compass, the rapid advancement of technology could lead to a redefinition of what it means to be human, one that is shaped by efficiency and data rather than by intrinsic worth and relationship. The fear is that an uncritical embrace of AI could lead to the objectification of individuals, where they are seen as data points to be managed rather than as souls to be accompanied. Therefore, any application of AI in pastoral contexts must be rigorously evaluated against its capacity to affirm and enhance human dignity, ensuring that it promotes authentic personal growth and community rather than isolation or manipulation.
This commitment to human-centered ethics requires the development of clear guidelines and principles for the use of AI within the Church. The seminar participants called for an ongoing dialogue involving theologians, ethicists, tech experts, and the laity to collaboratively shape a responsible path forward. This dialogue would address practical questions, such as data privacy in parish management systems, the use of algorithms in outreach, and the potential biases embedded in AI-driven tools. The ultimate goal is to create a culture of ethical reflection where technology is not adopted for its own sake but is thoughtfully integrated in a way that aligns with the Church’s mission of service and love. By proactively establishing these ethical guardrails, the Church seeks to model a way of innovating that is both technologically progressive and profoundly human, demonstrating that progress does not have to come at the cost of the values that form the bedrock of society.
A Call for More Humanity
In its final analysis, the seminar concluded not with a rejection of technology but with a powerful reaffirmation of the human person. The prevailing sentiment was that in an age of increasing automation and digital mediation, the world’s deepest need is not for more sophisticated technology but for “more humanity.” This conclusion acts as a directive for the Church’s mission in the 21st century, positioning it as a key advocate for the personal, relational, and empathetic aspects of life that are at risk of being marginalized by a purely technological worldview. The integration of AI, therefore, becomes a test of this commitment. The challenge for the Church is to harness the power of these new tools to amplify its message of hope and communion without losing the very essence of that message in the process. This means prioritizing face-to-face interaction, fostering genuine communities, and ensuring that every technological initiative is ultimately in the service of bringing people closer to one another and to God.
This call for more humanity provided a clear path forward, emphasizing that the Church’s most valuable contribution in the age of AI was its unwavering focus on the soul. The discussions had established that while AI could process vast amounts of information, it could not replicate empathy, offer absolution, or share in human suffering and joy. The work of pastoral care, at its core, was an art of human connection that technology could support but never replace. As a result, the Church’s strategy would not be to compete with technology but to offer a complementary and essential human element. The future of evangelization was envisioned as a hybrid model where digital tools could open doors, but a human presence would be required to walk through them, ensuring that the mission remained deeply personal and transformative.
