Anglican Schools Commission
Anglican Identity in the
Age of Artificial Intelligence
Ivan McLean, Chief Operating Officer, ASC
In today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape, the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into our lives has certainly presented opportunities and challenges. As the Anglican Church engages with these developments, examining how Anglican Identity (AI) informs and shapes the ethical use of Artificial Intelligence (‘Gen AI’, to make it easier to discern!) technologies is crucial. This reflection is pertinent and essential in ensuring that the ethical and just deployment of Gen AI in schools and other institutes of education aligns with core Anglican values and beliefs.
Ethical Considerations Rooted in Anglican Tradition
Anglican Identity is deeply rooted in a rich tradition of theological reflection, social justice, and community engagement. These foundational principles offer a robust framework for addressing the ethical challenges posed by Gen AI. The Anglican tradition emphasises the inherent dignity of every human being, a concept that must guide the development and use of Gen AI technologies. Ensuring that Gen AI systems respect human dignity involves safeguarding privacy, promoting fairness, and preventing biases that could lead to discrimination.
In recent Messenger articles, it has been pleasing to see the church’s commitment to social justice and ethical integrity highlighted. For example, discussions on the importance of community and support during times of crisis, such as the reflections shared in the May 2024 edition, underscore the need for Gen AI to enhance, rather than undermine, human connections and community support structures.
Gen AI and the Common Good
One of the central tenets of Anglican social teaching is the promotion of the common good. This principle can serve as a guiding star for the ethical use of Gen AI, with Gen AI technologies being developed and implemented in ways that contribute to the welfare of all individuals, particularly the most vulnerable. This means ensuring that Gen AI does not exacerbate existing inequalities; indeed, on the contrary it should be designed to help bridge gaps in access to resources and opportunities.
Undoubtedly the church has a role in advocating for equitable access to technology and resources. This advocacy can be extended to the realm of Gen AI, where the Anglican community can play a pivotal role in calling for regulations and practices that ensure the development of Gen AI technologies that benefit society as a whole.
The Role of the Church in Gen AI Ethics
The Anglican Church also has a significant role to play in the ethical discourse surrounding Gen AI. By leveraging its moral and theological insights, the church can contribute to shaping policies and frameworks that govern Gen AI usage. This involves active participation in dialogues with policymakers, technologists, and other stakeholders to ensure that Gen AI technologies are aligned with ethical standards that reflect Anglican values.
Spiritual and Pastoral Implications
Beyond ethical and policy considerations, the integration of Gen AI into daily life has spiritual and pastoral implications. Gen AI can be used to enhance pastoral care, for instance, through the development of tools that support mental health and well-being – sustaining the body, mind and soul. However, it is crucial that these tools are used to complement, not replace, the human touch that is central to pastoral care. The church can provide guidance on how to use these developing technologies in ways that support spiritual growth and community building, ensuring that technology remains a tool for enhancing human flourishing.
Conclusion
As Gen AI continues to permeate various aspects of life – our homes, parishes, schools and institutions - the importance of Anglican Identity in guiding its use cannot be overstated. By drawing on its rich tradition of ethical reflection, commitment to the common good, and emphasis on human dignity, the Anglican Church can and must play a crucial role in ensuring that Gen AI technologies are used ‘for good and not for evil’, in the words of Maxwell Smart! The church’s ongoing engagement with these critical issues is important in highlighting the need for continued dialogue and action in the intersection of faith and technology.
The Anglican Schools Commission has embarked on a process of establishing a Framework for the use of Artificial Intelligence in our schools. We have established a dedicated working party to develop this framework in readiness for implementation in 2025. We will gladly share the framework once complete and welcome any other agencies or institutions who may be developing a similar framework to make contact.