Gerrit W. Gong , Artificial Intelligence
3 min read
Editor's Note : As the world advances toward new technological frontiers, religious leaders like Elder Gerrit W. Gong are urging us to look to heaven before we look to machines. Their call: that artificial intelligence (AI) serve humanity… and not the other way around.
During the World Council of Religions for Peace held in Istanbul, Turkey, on July 29, 2025, Elder Gerrit W. Gong, Apostle of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, made a powerful appeal to leaders of different religions: to use artificial intelligence with faith, ethics, and human dignity
His speech, entitled “Faith, ethics and human dignity in the age of artificial intelligence” , outlined three concrete ways in which faith communities can have a positive impact on this crucial and current issue.
1. Remember that AI is not—and cannot be—God
“Those who seek to deify AI could discover a modern-day Tower of Babel,” Elder Gong warned.
He explained that AI is trained on human data, and therefore limited by our own imperfections. Only God can offer divine, inspired, and eternal truth. “For God’s children, technological platforms will never replace an authentic divine connection.”
President Russell M. Nelson taught:
“The privilege of receiving revelation is one of God’s greatest gifts to His children.”
2. Use AI with intention… and for good
Elder Gong invited religious leaders to create a conscious and moral vision on how to use AI for the common good.
“We are not afraid of artificial intelligence,” he said, “but we also don’t believe it’s the solution to everything.” From a faith-based perspective, we can teach our congregants to see AI as a useful tool , provided it is used appropriately, ethically, and purposefully.
3. Advocate for safe, ethical, and trustworthy AI
For Elder Gong, the moral compass of AI should not be left solely in the hands of engineers or technologists.He urged an interfaith effort—involving governments, industries, and citizens—to ensure that AI respects the moral principles that have guided humanity for centuries.
“People of faith and citizens of the world want moral leaders who will help ensure that AI is safe and trustworthy,” he said.
A “check and balance” of faith for AI
Elder Gong proposed the creation of an initiative called “Faith Community AI Assessment ,” with two main purposes:
1.Ensure that AI represents people of faith and their beliefs with respect and accuracy.
2.Provide ethical and moral data that helps train AI models with lasting values and constant reviews.
He quoted the words of Jesus Christ in the Christian tradition:
“I am the way, the truth, and the life,” and he invited all those present to work together to build paths of hope, truth, and humanity in this new technological era.
Historical visits with an interfaith purpose
During his visit to Istanbul, Elder Gong also toured Hagia Sophia , ccompanied by Professor Samy Ayoub, an expert in Islamic law, and shared a meaningful moment with Professor Recep Şentürk at Ibn Haldun University, part of the historic Süleymaniye Mosque complex..
How is the Church using artificial intelligence?
In March 2024, Elder Gong presented guiding principles for the use of AI among employees of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which include:
- Spiritual connection
- Transparency
- Privacy and security
- Responsibility
He also emphasized the importance of relying on the Holy Spirit and trustworthy sources to discern between what is real and what is false in the digital age.
The Church of Jesus Christ envisions AI applications in areas such as:
- Family history
- Translation and content production
- Dissemination of accurate information from official sites ChurchofJesusChrist.org such as
Faith can be the compass in the midst of innovation
In a rapidly changing world, Elder Gong's message reminds us that faith, morality, and dignity remain essential. And that faith communities have a vital role to play in guiding the development of technologies that respect what is most precious: the human soul.
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