The remark came in response to looking at an image on an Easter egg box. Whilst the image was not a photograph, it was probably also not generated by AI. But the conversation was a reminder of how prevalent the language and possibly the use of AI is.
AI meaning Artificial Intelligence.
Most of us will come across it when we ask a question of Google. An AI summary appears at the top. You might even catch the word "thinking" appearing, before the summary emerges.
Some of us might have used it to provide a summary of a meeting that has been recorded.
It appears regularly in the news - most recently because of concerns around a particularAI financial model which has been developed by Anthropic, but not released, that could potentially compromise the security of financial institutions. Interestingly, one of the commentators on that story said, "The difference is that the Strait of Hormuz - we know where it is and we know how large it is... the issue that we're facing with Anthropic is that it's the unknown, unknown."
And I guess that is where many of us might be in relation to AI - a feeling that it is unknown. Even though we are already interacting with it, we might not have worked out what we think about it.
Within the papers that have been published for the upcoming General Assembly (https://www.churchofscotland.org.uk/about-us/general-assembly/general-assembly-2026/reports-and-additional-documents-2026) you will find a report by the Ethical Oversight Committee. It contains a AI Ethical Investment Guidelines, which are an interim measure as the church develops a comprehensive AI strategy, which will involve thinking about AI theologically. It is a short read but helpful in getting us to consider what the ethical challenges around the use of AI might be.
The Church, Society and International Committee are working on an AI workshop later in the year. In preparation for that, they have prepared a short questionnaire for Worship Leaders, Ministers and Elders. You can find it by clicking HERE. Please take a little bit of time to complete it. Your input will help shape our discussion about AI - its challenges and its opportunities.
And why not attend Thinking Christianly this coming Saturday where the focus is on AI and transhumanism.
Rev Stella
