Res. 4-09 — To Address Uses of Artificial Intelligence

WHEREAS, The capabilities and regular use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Large Language Models (LLMs) have dramatically increased in recent years; and

WHEREAS, AI tools are increasingly being used by churches and pastors to create and curate digital content and communications, to create sermons, prayers, images, hymns, and other resources for use in worship; and to perform various ministry functions; and

WHEREAS, The Commission on Theology and Church Relations (CTCR) has published a study document, Online Technology in the Church: Study Materials (December 2024, resources.lcms.org/reading -study/ctcr-study-document-42 online-technology-in-the-church-study-materials), that urges against the use of AI in writing sermons, but does not address AI’s broader implications for the church, our families, or society; and

WHEREAS, The CTCR document also encouraged “the cautious, morally responsible and theologically alert use of technology in a way that reflects what we know from Holy Scripture about who we are, how God has made us, how God seeks to save us in Christ, and how God has ordered and directed His church to confess its faith and share its life together” (ibid., 2); and

WHEREAS, AI has also been associated with many moral evils, including creation and distribution of pornography, solicitation of minors, and sexual and psychological manipulation; and

WHEREAS, AI and other emerging technologies afford us unprecedented opportunities for advancement across industries and throughout our societies, but may also have dangerous and dehumanizing outcomes if not utilized with godly wisdom and discernment; therefore be it

Resolved, That the Synod acknowledge the power of AI and other emerging technologies to harm our churches, their members, and the society in which we live, if not carefully and insightfully addressed with and limited by God’s Word;

and be it further

Resolved, That the Synod encourage all who employ these tools to do so in honest, transparent, and Christ -like ways that focus on loving God and loving our neighbor as ourselves (Matt. 22:37–40), never seeking to willfully deceive others or take advantage of them; and be it further

Resolved, That the Synod proactively engage these emerging technologies rather than simply respond to the challenges of AI and other emerging technologies after they have already affected our churches and communities; and be it finally

Resolved, That the Synod ask the CTCR, in consultation with the Council of Presidents and the Office of the President, to produce a document that allows for appropriate theological reflection and study of the use of AI and that evaluates it in light of our theological assumptions, especially related to anthropology, the image of God, and Lutheran teaching on vocation, along with practical guidance to individuals and congregations in the use of AI in ministry and in the general life of God’s people.