Christian churches and religious organisations in Switzerland are encouraging a more responsible approach to artificial intelligence through a shared ethical framework centred on human dignity. The World Council of Churches reported on 11 November that Switzerland’s Christian church bodies and umbrella organisations had presented a common vision for the digital future, supported by ten guidelines addressing the responsible use of artificial intelligence. The initiative reflects growing recognition that AI is becoming increasingly influential in society and that religious institutions need to consider its implications for human relationships, communication and community life.
The guidelines, titled Humanity in the Digital Age: Ethical Guidelines for the Responsible Use of Artificial Intelligence: An Ecumenical Christian Perspective, were originally released on 19 October. They address issues including transparency, personal data protection, accountability, environmental sustainability and the preservation of meaningful human relationships. According to Dr Manuel Schmid, who initiated the project and chaired the ecumenical working group, the framework was developed through collaboration between different Christian churches and organisations. The intention is to help church leaders make informed decisions about AI in areas such as administration, education, communication and pastoral care.
An important aspect of the framework is its recognition that artificial intelligence should neither be treated as an uncontrollable threat nor regarded as a solution to every human problem. Instead, the churches emphasise that technology must remain subject to human responsibility and should be developed and used in ways that benefit society. The Christian perspective presented in the guidelines is rooted in the belief that human beings possess dignity, creativity, freedom and responsibility. For churches increasingly exploring digital tools for ministry, the framework offers an opportunity to embrace technological developments while maintaining ethical standards and protecting the people they serve.
