To Address Uses of Artificial Intelligence

Ov. 4-51

To Address Uses of Artificial Intelligence

WHEREAS, Man is fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14) in the image of God (Gen. 1:26–27); and

WHEREAS, All First Article gifts, including powerful technological tools such as artificial intelligence (AI), are created by human beings with the gifts and abilities that God has granted to us as the pinnacle of the created order (Gen . 1:26–28; 2:7; 5:1–2);

and

WHEREAS, These gifts can be harnessed for human flourishing as we seek to love God and neighbor (Deut . 6:4–5; Lev. 19:18; Matt.

22:37–39; Mark 12:30–31); and

WHEREAS, The fall into sin has made us dead to God and darkened our minds; and

WHEREAS, The fall into sin has also adversely affected every aspect of creation, including the development and use of these powerful innovations (Rom. 8:22); and

WHEREAS, Computer algorithms bear no inherent morality, no eternal soul, no love or fear of God, and no prayerful heart to guide its decisions; and

WHEREAS, These tools are designed with the distinct values and purposes of their fallen human creators in mind; and

WHEREAS, These tools may shape us in subtle, yet meaningful ways— including our understanding of God, humanity, and the world around us; and

WHEREAS, AI raises deep, crucial questions that challenge God’s revelation about what it means to be human, which are often rooted merely in human capacities rather than in divinely granted ontological status; and

WHEREAS, We alone, as God ’s image bearers, created by the Father through the Son and given His Holy Spirit in Baptism, bear the moral responsibility for the development and use of tools (Rom.

12:1–2); and

WHEREAS, AI algorithms could serve as a digital ministry assistant, creating and curating digital content and communications;

and

WHEREAS, The use of AI (e.g., ChatGPT ) is now being experimented with by churches to create sermons, prayers, images, hymns, and other resources for use in worship; and

WHEREAS, AI algorithms may soon be tasked to function as automated chaplains, more available and responsive than other community members, so that people may come to rely on it for spiritual sustenance instead of on Word and Sacrament; and

WHEREAS, AI and other emerging technologies afford us unprecedented opportunities for advancement across industries and throughout our societies, but may also have dangerous and dehumanizing outcomes if not utilized with godly wisdom and discernment; therefore be it

Resolved, That the Synod state unequivocally that our intrinsic value is as image bearers — not rooted in what we do or contribute to society— and that human dignity must be central to any ethical principles, guidelines, or regulations for any and all uses of these powerful emerging technologies; and be it further

Resolved, That the Synod affirm that God’s unchanging Word is more than sufficient for whatever ethical challenges, questions, and opportunities we may face today or in the future as these technologies continue to be developed and deployed in our communities; and be it further

Resolved, That the Synod acknowledge the powerful nature of AI and other emerging technologies to potentially draw us from our reliance on true Word and Sacrament ministry; and be it further

Resolved, That the Synod proactively engage and shape these emerging technologies rather than simply respond to the challenges of AI and other emerging technologies after they have already affected our churches and communities; and be it further

Resolved, That the Synod encourage all who employ these tools to do so in honest, transparent, and Christ -like ways that focus on loving God and loving our neighbor as ourselves (Matt. 22:37–40), never seeking to willfully deceive others or take advantage of them for unjust gain or the accumulation of power; and be it further

Resolved , That the Synod establish a task force to further study the use of AI technology in the church; and be it further

Resolved, That the C ouncil of Presidents (C OP), the O ffice of the President (OTP), and the Commission on Theology and Church Relations (CTCR) produce a joint document to be presented in a manner that allows for appropriate theological reflection and study of the use of AI; and be it finally

Resolved, That the COP, the OTP, and the CTCR provide practical guidance to individuals and congregations in the use of AI in ministry and in the general life of God’s people.

Eastern District; Board of Directors, Eastern District