The Church of England is officially stepping into the digital age, with senior leaders currently drafting rigorous new rules for clergy on the use of artificial intelligence. The move follows a directive from the General Synod, the church's legislative body, which has recognised that generative AI tools have become so pervasive in modern life that the institution can no longer afford to ignore them. 6,700 vicars across the country will soon receive clear instructions on how, or whether, they should utilise these rapidly evolving technologies in their ministry.
While the prospect of a robot-written sermon might sound like a stretch to traditionalists in the pews, church authorities insist that ignoring the tech is simply not an option. It is a significant pivot for an institution that has traditionally been slow to adapt to such radical technological shifts. The guidance aims to provide a moral and practical framework for clergy who are already experimenting with AI to draft everything from complex reports to worship material.
