Diocesan Priests in Nigeria Caution against Artificial Intelligence’s “potential to distance us from one another”

They caution against the temptation to overlook the divine, saying, “Our life and hope are meaningless without God amidst technological innovations.”

The Catholic Priests encourage engaging AI in the mission of the Church, especially for “evangelization and catechetical works.”

AI can support faith formation, they say, and maintain that ongoing religious education should guide the faithful in using AI in ways that respect “God’s overriding powers.”

For members of the Clergy with social media presence, NCDPA members encourage the fostering of the role of “spiritual leaders” rather than “social influencers.”

Catholic Priests involved in digital content creation should conduct themselves in ways that reflect the identity and dignity of the Priesthood, upholding the “rights and privacy of every human person,” they say.

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In their statement dated October 24, Diocesan Priests in Africa’s most populous nation resolve to prioritize face-to-face interactions in this digital era, and note, “Exploring the virtual world should not isolate us from physical and social warmth.”

They warn against what they describe as the “excessive and unethical use” of AI, which, they say, has the potentiality of eroding “human dignity, originality, and ingenuity.”

In the statement that their national President, Fr. John Bosco Ezehi, and their national Secretary, Fr. Vincent Illah Iko, cosigned, NCDPA members advocate for synergy between the Church and State to “enhance digital literacy.”

Such partnerships, which they say are necessary for achieving a balance between technological advancement and moral responsibility, could explore the ethical use of AI.

In their statement, Diocesan Priests in Nigeria express their readiness to participate in the Church’s 2025 Jubilee Year to be officially launched on the eve of Christmas 2024 under the theme, “Pilgrims of Hope”, which Pope Francis explains in the Bull of Indiction he delivered on May 9, “Spes non confundit” (Hope does not disappoint).

NCDPA members say they are committed to fostering “the Spirit of solidarity and togetherness” amidst the challenges of the digital age.

Silas Mwale Isenjia is a Kenyan journalist with a great zeal and interest for Catholic Church related communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Linguistics, Media and Communication from Moi University in Kenya. Silas has vast experience in the Media production industry. He currently works as a Journalist for ACI Africa.