A gathering of leaders from TEC, ELCA and PCUSA
Introduction
We stand at the cusp of a new era, marked by the rapid development and integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in our daily lives and societal structures. As we navigate through this unprecedented technological advancement, it becomes imperative for the church to reflect on the theological, ethical, and societal implications it harbors. AI & The Church Summit aims to foster a profound dialogue in and among The Episcopal Church, Presbyterian Church (USA), and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) on the role of AI in our world and the church’s involvement in shaping its trajectory.
Purpose
The event seeks to:
Keynote Speaker: Father Paolo Benanti
Father Paolo Benanti, a Franciscan friar and the Vatican’s and Italian government's advisor on AI ethics, will be the keynote speaker. His extensive work, including advising Pope Francis and participating in international discussions on AI ethics, positions him uniquely to guide our conversation. Father Benanti advocates for global governance on AI, emphasizing the need for ethical development and usage to prevent social collapse and ensure the technology serves humanity's broader interests.
Gathering Objectives
Program Highlights
This gathering is an invitation-only event, designed to cultivate an exclusive and high-impact dialogue. Each participating denomination is encouraged to extend invitations to fifteen esteemed leaders, chosen for their ability to significantly contribute to the August conversations. Invitees should be committed to sustaining momentum post-conference, readily engaging in monthly small-group discussions to further our collective understanding and application of AI within our communities. We are especially seeking those with hands-on experience in AI and practitioners adept at translating theoretical insights into practical, actionable recommendations. We also seek theologians who can reflect on the theological importance of the moment. This continued engagement will ensure that the insights gained during our initial gathering are not only preserved but are actively integrated into the fabric of our ministries and outreach programs.
Conclusion
AI & The Church Summit presents an invaluable opportunity for the Episcopal Church, Presbyterian Church (USA), and ELCA to lead the way in envisioning and shaping a future where AI is harnessed for the greater good, guided by ethical principles and a commitment to human dignity.
Would you like to join us?
For more information send us an email HERE.
We stand at the cusp of a new era, marked by the rapid development and integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in our daily lives and societal structures. As we navigate through this unprecedented technological advancement, it becomes imperative for the church to reflect on the theological, ethical, and societal implications it harbors. AI & The Church Summit aims to foster a profound dialogue in and among The Episcopal Church, Presbyterian Church (USA), and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) on the role of AI in our world and the church’s involvement in shaping its trajectory.
Purpose
The event seeks to:
- Explore the potential and hopes pinned on AI to address pressing global challenges and enhance human capacities.
- Critically analyze the concerns associated with AI, including ethical dilemmas, the threat of exacerbating inequality, and the impact on human dignity.
- Understand the church’s role in advocating for a human-centered approach to AI development, emphasizing ethical considerations, inclusivity, and the protection of the vulnerable.
Keynote Speaker: Father Paolo Benanti
Father Paolo Benanti, a Franciscan friar and the Vatican’s and Italian government's advisor on AI ethics, will be the keynote speaker. His extensive work, including advising Pope Francis and participating in international discussions on AI ethics, positions him uniquely to guide our conversation. Father Benanti advocates for global governance on AI, emphasizing the need for ethical development and usage to prevent social collapse and ensure the technology serves humanity's broader interests.
Gathering Objectives
- Engagement with Experts: Create a platform for interaction with leading AI experts, ethicists, and theologians to exchange ideas and perspectives on the moral, theological, and societal implications of AI.
- Reflection and Dialogue: Foster a contemplative environment where participants can reflect on the transformative potential of AI and the ethical responsibilities it entails for the church and society.
- Ongoing Collaboration: Establish a network of “bridges” within the church, tasked with advancing the dialogue on AI and its implications for faith and ethical living, through monthly conversations and collaborative projects.
Program Highlights
- Keynote Address by Father Paolo Benanti: Something akin to "Navigating the AI Revolution: A Call for Ethical Stewardship"
- Leadership talk by futurist and Institute for the Future senior fellow, Bob Johansen: "Augmented Church Leaders in a BANI World"
- Panel Discussions: Featuring theologians, technologists, and ethicists on topics such as "AI and the Common Good," "The Church in the Age of AI: Challenges and Opportunities," and "Ethical AI: Visions for a Human-Centered Future."
- Breakout Sessions: Tailored to facilitate deeper engagement on specific AI issues, questions in response to panel presentations, ethical considerations, and the development of actionable strategies for church involvement.
This gathering is an invitation-only event, designed to cultivate an exclusive and high-impact dialogue. Each participating denomination is encouraged to extend invitations to fifteen esteemed leaders, chosen for their ability to significantly contribute to the August conversations. Invitees should be committed to sustaining momentum post-conference, readily engaging in monthly small-group discussions to further our collective understanding and application of AI within our communities. We are especially seeking those with hands-on experience in AI and practitioners adept at translating theoretical insights into practical, actionable recommendations. We also seek theologians who can reflect on the theological importance of the moment. This continued engagement will ensure that the insights gained during our initial gathering are not only preserved but are actively integrated into the fabric of our ministries and outreach programs.
Conclusion
AI & The Church Summit presents an invaluable opportunity for the Episcopal Church, Presbyterian Church (USA), and ELCA to lead the way in envisioning and shaping a future where AI is harnessed for the greater good, guided by ethical principles and a commitment to human dignity.
Would you like to join us?
- Interested individuals can apply to attend as guests through TryTank Research Institute. Apply here.
For more information send us an email HERE.