Description
Artificial intelligence is transforming our world in ways both promising and perilous. From medical breakthroughs to lesson planning tools, AI has the power to enhance human life and ministry. At the same time, it raises urgent ethical concerns around privacy, bias, intellectual property, economic disparity, and ecological impact. As people of faith, how do we navigate this evolving landscape while remaining committed to loving God, self, and neighbor?
In this workshop, Rev. Dr. Andy Morgan (Presbyterian Church U.S.A.) and Dr. James Currier (Assistant Professor of Ethics, University of Pittsburgh) will introduce participants to how AI technologies like large language models (LLMs) and image diffusion tools work—and how they’re already being used in ministry. Real-world use cases will include using ChatGPT to transcreate lesson accommodations, generating logos for upcoming programs, and brainstorming themes for the program year. These will serve as hands-on praxis exercises where participants will engage AI tools and begin shaping their own ethical boundaries for ministry use.
Together, we’ll explore the intersections of AI with ecology, privacy, bias, and justice, asking: If AI becomes part of my workflow, what are my ethical boundaries—and why?
Participants will leave with a working understanding of how AI functions, a practical ethical framework rooted in faith, and thoughtful guidance for discerning how to use AI in ministry faithfully and responsibly.
Workshop Leader: Andy Morgan
Rev. Dr. Andy P. Morgan is the Director of Faith Formation at First Presbyterian Church of Knoxville. A pastor and educator, he has a passion for exploring the intersection of faith and technology and is an active partner and participant in the AI and Church Summit. Dr. Morgan has led multiple webinars and seminars on AI and faith, equipping church leaders and congregations to engage AI with theological and ethical depth. His work focuses on helping communities of faith navigate the challenges and opportunities of an AI-augmented world while remaining rooted in the call to love God, self, and neighbor.
Co-Leader: James Currier
Dr. James D. “Kip” Currier is an Assistant Professor at the University of Pittsburgh’s School of Computing and Information, specializing in information ethics, intellectual property, and emerging technologies. Holding both a JD and PhD, his research explores the societal impacts of AI, privacy, and digital governance.
An active Episcopalian, Dr. Currier is a participant and ongoing partner in the AI and Church Summit, an ecumenical gathering of Protestant leaders engaging the intersection of artificial intelligence and ethics.