How the EU AI Act Can Help Churches Regulate the Use of AI

The European Union’s AI Act, which officially came into force in August 2024, is more than just a regulatory framework for technology companies—it’s a set of guidelines that can also serve as a critical tool for faith organizations like churches that are exploring the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in their operations. While the primary focus of the Act is to ensure the safe and ethical deployment of AI across various sectors, the principles it embodies are highly relevant for faith organizations that want to navigate the complexities of AI without compromising their values.

Please note that whilst this article may be specific on churches, it can be generalized to faith institutions in general.

Understanding the Risk-Based Approach

One of the most significant aspects of the EU AI Act is its risk-based classification of AI systems. This framework categorizes AI applications into four levels of risk: unacceptable, high, limited, and minimal. For faith institutions, this approach offers a clear way to evaluate and manage the potential risks associated with different AI applications.

• Unacceptable Risk: AI systems that could be deemed manipulative or discriminatory are outright banned under the Act. For faith institutions, this means avoiding AI applications that could, for example, unfairly target or profile individuals based on their religious beliefs, attendance, or personal characteristics.
• High Risk: AI systems that significantly impact people’s lives, such as those used for decision-making in social services or pastoral care, require strict oversight. Institutions using AI for sensitive tasks like distributing aid or managing confidential congregant data must ensure these systems are transparent, robust, and subject to human oversight.
• Limited and Minimal Risk: AI tools that are used for less critical tasks, such as managing church schedules or sending automated reminders, pose lower risks but still require some level of transparency and accountability.

Ensuring Ethical AI Use in Church Activities

The EU AI Act emphasizes transparency, data quality, and human oversight, all of which are crucial for churches that want to use AI ethically. For example, if a church uses AI to manage its community outreach programs, it should be transparent about how decisions are made and ensure that the system does not inadvertently exclude or marginalize certain groups.

Moreover, the Act requires that data used in high-risk AI systems must be of high quality, representative, and free from bias. This is particularly important for churches that might use AI to analyze congregational data or to identify trends within their communities. Ensuring data quality helps prevent AI from perpetuating biases or making unfair decisions, which is vital for maintaining trust within the church.

Building Trust Through Transparency and Accountability

Another key benefit of the EU AI Act for churches is its focus on transparency and accountability. Churches must be open about how they use AI, especially when it involves personal data or decisions that affect individuals’ lives. The Act’s requirements for documentation and regular assessments can help churches maintain this transparency, ensuring that their use of AI aligns with their mission and values.

For example, if a church employs an AI-driven tool to manage prayer requests or pastoral care, it should regularly review how the system operates and make any necessary adjustments to ensure that it continues to meet ethical standards. This process not only builds trust within the congregation but also ensures that the church remains accountable for its use of technology.

Leveraging the AI Act to Foster Innovation

While the EU AI Act imposes certain restrictions, it also encourages innovation by providing clear guidelines on how to develop and deploy AI systems responsibly. For churches, this means that they can explore the benefits of AI—such as improving administrative efficiency, enhancing worship experiences, or reaching out to more people—without fear of crossing ethical boundaries.

By adhering to the principles set out in the AI Act, churches can confidently use AI to support their mission, knowing that they are doing so in a way that respects the dignity and rights of their members.

Conclusion: A Path Forward for Churches

The EU AI Act offers a valuable framework for churches that are interested in using AI. By adopting the Act’s risk-based approach, ensuring transparency, and maintaining high standards for data quality and human oversight, churches can navigate the ethical dilemmas of AI with confidence. This not only protects the integrity of the church but also opens up new opportunities for innovation and outreach.

As AI continues to evolve, the principles established by the EU AI Act can serve as a guide for churches to embrace technology in a way that enhances their mission and upholds their values. In doing so, they can ensure that AI becomes a tool that serves the church, rather than a force that disrupts it.