Artificial intelligence like Chat GPT, Copilot, and Gemini are quickly becoming the most common sources for gathering information on any number of topics for many curious minds around the world.
In a presentation to Church employees earlier this week, Elder Gerrit W. Gong presented guiding principles using the exciting opportunities offered by AI as a tool in support of the ongoing Restoration.
“We can be realistic both of opportunity and challenge, … neither giddy nor alarmist,” Elder Gong said. “We have a significant responsibility to ensure the Holy Ghost can attest to the truth and authenticity of all we say and share both in our form and in our content.”
But what was Elder Gong’s number one takeaway? Consider using AI prayerfully and with the guidance of the Holy Ghost.
“While generative artificial intelligence may be quick to offer information, it can never replace revelation or generate truth from God. If something does not feel right or is inconsistent with what you know is true, seek to discern before believing,” Elder Gong said.
“The moral and ethical considerations that come with the use of AI require spiritual discernment and wisdom,” Elder John C. Pingree, Jr., a General Authority Seventy and executive director of the Correlation Department, shared. “God is the source of all truth. AI does not replace divinely appointed sources.”
As part of the presentation, Elder Gong and Elder Pingree listed seven principles that will help guide the Church’s use of AI, all of which were approved by the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles:
- The Church will use artificial intelligence to support and not supplant connection between God and His children.
- The Church will use artificial intelligence in positive, helpful, and uplifting ways that maintain the honesty, integrity, ethics, values, and standards of the Church.
- People interacting with the Church will understand when they are interfacing with artificial intelligence.
- The Church will provide attribution for content created with artificial intelligence when the authenticity, accuracy, or authorship of the content could be misunderstood or misleading.
- The Church’s use of artificial intelligence will safeguard sacred and personal information.
- The Church will use artificial intelligence in a manner consistent with the policies of the Church and all applicable laws.
- The Church will be measured and deliberate in its use of artificial intelligence by regularly testing and reviewing outputs to help ensure accuracy, truthfulness, and compliance.
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