The diocese of Suwon in South Korea held a training session for priests on the practical use of generative artificial intelligence. The training, organized by the local Office for Social Communications, aimed to equip priests with skills applicable in pastoral work. Participants learned about business applications of AI, ChatGPT features, and effective search techniques. The seminar included practical sessions on using AI tools for image creation, presentations, videos, and music. Priests believe AI will be essential for future preaching and pastoral care, helping to understand the faithful's changing trends.
17 days ago
The Diocese of Suwon in South Korea recently organized a groundbreaking training session focused on the practical application of generative artificial intelligence (AI) in parish life 1, 2. This initiative, held on July 2, marked the first time a diocese concentrated on the hands-on use of AI rather than solely theoretical or ethical discussions 1, 2. Priests from the dioceses of Suwon, Daegu, and Masan participated in the event, which was promoted by Suwon's Office for Social Communications 1, 2.
The training, conducted by an AI literacy company, provided priests with skills in using generative AI tools like ChatGPT 1, 2. Participants learned to create images, produce presentations from documents, generate videos and background music, and even experimented with a chatbot for automatic meeting minutes 1, 2. Father Lee Cheol-gu, director of the Office for Social Communications, stated the training aimed to equip priests with skills for the expanding applications of AI in the pastoral field 1, 2.
Priests expressed strong belief in AI's future role in the Church. Father Ignazio Son Chang-hyun highlighted AI's potential as an "essential technology for preaching or pastoral care of the faithful" 1, 2. He also suggested that AI could help priests better understand the "trends and moods of the faithful" through data analysis, fostering closer pastoral connections 1, 2.
The initiative also underscores the importance of harmonizing religion and science 1, 2. Father Bartolomeo Choi Jae-yong emphasized that the Church must actively learn and understand science and technology to prevent potential abuses 1, 2. Furthermore, Father Leone Lee Jae-geun, deputy director of the Office for Social Communications, identified a critical need for collaboration between the Church and AI development companies 1, 2. He noted issues with AI confusing Catholic and Protestant terminology and spreading misinformation about saints, advocating for partnerships to improve the accuracy of AI-generated content related to the Church 1, 2. This proactive engagement positions the South Korean Church as a leader in integrating technological innovation with Gospel service 2.
How does technology impact the Church's evangelization mission?
The Church recognizes technology, particularly new media and digital communication, as a significant and indispensable resource for its evangelization mission . This impact is multifaceted, encompassing opportunities for wider proclamation, deeper engagement, and the formation of new relationships, while also necessitating a discerning approach to its challenges .
The Church's interest in communications media has intensified as these media become more pervasive and influential in society . Since 1967, the annual World Communications Day messages have consistently reflected on digital culture and social communication, acknowledging the shifts in communication patterns and the role of media in fostering relationships . Pope John Paul II referred to media as "the first Areopagus of the modern age," emphasizing the need not only to spread the Christian message but also to integrate it into the "new culture" created by modern communications .
Technology offers new and far-reaching pastoral possibilities for evangelization .
Beyond simply spreading information, technology is seen as a means to foster deeper relationships and promote a culture of respect, dialogue, and friendship . Pope Benedict XVI encouraged young Catholic believers to bring the witness of their faith to the digital world, introducing the values on which they have built their lives into this new environment . The goal is to share the "Good News" of God with contemporaries, responding to their yearning for a world where love endures, gifts are shared, unity is built, and freedom finds meaning in truth .
While embracing technology, the Church also recognizes its limitations and the need for a discerning approach:
In conclusion, technology profoundly impacts the Church's evangelization mission by providing unprecedented opportunities for widespread proclamation and fostering new forms of relationship and dialogue. However, the Church emphasizes that technological presence must always be accompanied by authentic human encounter, spiritual discernment, and a steadfast focus on Christ as the source of all evangelization .