AACC and Future of Life Institute host faith leaders to a consultation on the dynamics of Artificial Intelligence
Opened on 8th July 2025, the two-day consultation gathered 25 church leaders from across Africa to explore opportunities, risks and challenges of Artificial Intelligence (AI) development and its advancement. While setting the framework of the consultation, Mr. Humphrey Chivini, AACC’s ICT officer and Rev Kolade Fadahunsi from the institute of Church and Society of CCN noted that the consultation aims to empower religious leaders to be proactive in engaging technologies for a sustainable future rooted in our living faith.
“It also intends to set up AACC mechanism for religious leaders to provide wise and moral leadership in the development and use of AI with a focus on safeguarding human dignity and wellbeing.” Noted Rev Kolade.
The Rt. Rev. Lydia Neshangwe, the AACC President delivered a biblical reflection on AI from an Afrocentric perspective. She highlighted the significance of seeking divine wisdom and the cultivation of Africa’s humanistic ideologies grounded on Ubuntu to guide our engagements with the jet age of technological advancement. In his opening remarks, the AACC General Secretary, Rev. Dr. Fidon Mwombeki described the consultation as a strategic endeavor given the place of AI in the world today.
“As AI continues to impact the world and gain influence in shaping the future of life and human relations, we the faith leaders we need to pay attention to the moral and ethical implications of its development and use and think and pray for wisdom to safeguard the integrity and dignity of creation.” He said.
William Jones, from the Future of Life institute (FLI) invited the participants into conversations by examining the risks, opportunities and concerns for Christians. His presentation highlighted the benefits of AI in health care, education, democracy and Climate change. He warned against the development of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) and its threats to humanity and sustainable development. Among these include, power concentration to corporations and systems, massive social disruption, catastrophic events, geopolitical instability, loss of human agency, environmental tipping points and threats to religious leaders.
“In the development and use of AI, it is our responsibility as people of faith to use our God given minds and wisdom to discern what is right, good, healthy and life-giving. This is, therefore, a Kairos moment for the church and this consultation is timely.” Expressed Bishop Valencia Kagbe, a participant from Lesotho.
In the photo: Some of the participants during the consultation [Courtesy - Brian Muyunga]
