The USCCB has sent a letter to Congress emphasizing the need for ethical considerations in the development and deployment of artificial intelligence. The bishops are calling for policies that promote human dignity, fairness, transparency, and accountability within AI systems. They highlight the potential impact of AI on various aspects of life, including employment, privacy, and social justice. The bishops are encouraging an ongoing dialogue with lawmakers to ensure AI benefits all of humanity. They also expressed concerns about the use of AI in weaponry and the importance of human control.
18 days ago
The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has urged Congress to prioritize the ethical development of artificial intelligence (AI), emphasizing the importance of human dignity and the common good 1 2 3. Bishop William D. Byrne, chairman of the USCCB's Committee on Communications, conveyed the message in a statement, referencing Pope Leo XIV's call for responsible and discerning AI development 1 5. The USCCB's engagement comes as lawmakers consider regulations that could significantly impact the future of AI 1 2.
In their letter to congressional leaders, the bishops outlined several key ethical principles 1 2. They stressed that the inherent dignity of every human person must be central to technological development 1 2. The bishops cautioned against transhumanism and equating AI with human life 1 2. They also expressed concern for those facing economic hardships, advocating for equitable participation in and benefit from AI development 1 2. Respect for the truth was another key principle, with the bishops noting the misuse of AI to undermine dignity and spread misinformation 1 2 5.
The USCCB's letter addressed a wide range of policy considerations impacted by AI 1 3 5. Regarding family life, the bishops noted AI's potential to aid communication but cautioned against its isolating effects 1 2. They also raised concerns about AI being used to promote morally offensive reproductive technologies 1 2. On economic issues, the bishops echoed concerns about job displacement and inequality, calling for worker protections, education, and human oversight in AI-driven employment decisions 1 2. The USCCB also expressed concerns about the development of lethal autonomous weapons, emphasizing the need for human control over weapon systems 1 2 5.
Pope Leo XIV has made AI a focus early in his papacy 5. The USCCB's letter was signed by the chairs of six committees, demonstrating broad support within the conference 5. Earlier in June, the Catholic bishops of Maryland also released a pastoral letter on AI, urging Catholics to prioritize human dignity in the use of emerging technologies 5.
How does Catholic Social Teaching inform technological development?
Catholic Social Teaching (CST) provides a framework for evaluating and guiding technological development, ensuring it serves human dignity and the common good . It emphasizes ethical considerations, the importance of integral human development, and the need for solidarity and subsidiarity in addressing the challenges and opportunities presented by new technologies .
Here's how CST informs technological development:
In summary, Catholic Social Teaching calls for a balanced approach to technological development, celebrating its potential while insisting on ethical guidelines rooted in human dignity, the common good, and integral human development . It promotes solidarity, subsidiarity, and responsible innovation to ensure technology serves humanity and fosters a more just and peaceful world .