The WCC is concerned with the unregulated development of artificial intelligence

You share many people’s concerns about the lack of effective regulation. Increasingly evolving technology has recognized the great potential for harm as well as good, according to the WCC Central Committee.

At the same time, there are several areas where very limited application of this technology is already showing its benefits, she said. WCC member churches and ecumenical partners should press their governments to work quickly to put in place appropriate regulatory systems and accountability frameworks. The WCC also calls on theological educational institutions to reflect on the ethical questions surrounding AI and the effects on people’s self-image. Both the positive potential of technology and its negative consequences must be taken into account.

The WCC Central Committee, made up of 150 people, commented on the conclusion of its six-day meeting in Geneva. The WCC’s supreme governing body meets between the councils, which are held approximately every eight years, every two years. Founded in 1948, the World Council of Churches currently has 349 Protestant, Anglican, Orthodox and Old Catholic member churches, representing more than 550 million Christians in 120 countries around the world. The Catholic Church has guest status and participates in several commissions.

(kna-cs)