Pastoral Letter on AI and Technology

Dear Friends,

For over 10 years, the leadership of the Episcopal Diocese of Central New York has actively discussed moral and ethical concerns associated with social media and technological advances, such as associated algorithms, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Artificial Generative Intelligence (AGI). These conversations have often centered around how we communicate ministry and especially how best to communicate the Gospel of Jesus Christ with integrity and clarity.

On March 6th, 2026, I sent a document entitled “AI In Society” from the Center for Humane Technology to the clergy and lay leaders of the diocese. This document outlined both concerns and best practices for responsibly using technology, specifically AI, in ministry. As a creative and adaptive diocese, we will continue to embrace the gift of technology to enhance ministry in moral, ethical, and responsible ways. 

Our Diocesan Mission Statement affirms our shared intent of ‘Learning to love God, one another, and all God’s creation,’ our commitment to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Whether in faith or in our ministry, we are open to learning, developing new capacity, and creatively engaging in ministry. In this time when AI and especially AGI are often in the news, and many are trying to adjust to a new technological reality, it is time for our conversations about technology to establish guidelines for the safety and well-being of all people in our diocese. 

For this reason, I am writing to share with you guidelines intended to clarify and safeguard God’s people. This is both an essential part of our shared ministry and of our safe church practices. As with any aspect of ministry, we are dedicated to honoring the dignity of each person. 

Clergy, lay leaders, and all parishioners are encouraged to learn more about AI, particularly what it is, how it is used online, and the potential harm it can cause. AI can be particularly harmful when used in place of human interaction and relationships or without transparency. Each parish and community is encouraged to educate themselves on how to determine if a post, image, video, audio, text or other communication is AI-generated. I encourage ongoing conversations about the moral and ethical implications of algorithms, AI, and AGI.

As we continue our conversation about best practices for using technology in our shared ministry, it is essential to define what we mean by AI and its use. 

Our Communications Director, Adam Eichelberger, has created the following graphics to assist in our mutual understanding:

These Diocesan Guidelines are a beginning place, are for moral and ethical use of technology in ministry, and will be updated and expanded as we learn more:

1. When posting or reposting on social media, be transparent about the origin of the image or post, ensuring it is authentic and accurate.
2. AI is not a replacement for human proclamation. AI should not be used in sermons, in theological or spiritual writing, or in pastoral care.  
3. When generating content to be shared publicly, such as audio, video, photos, or graphics, using digital tools to edit is useful and encouraged, but generative AI should not be used to generate content.
4. AI agents (“bots”) are not to be used in place of attending an online meeting. If a person is unable to attend a meeting, please coordinate with the leaders of the meeting for any information that has been missed. 
5. AI is not to be used for the purposes of financial planning and management, or for the preparation of any legal documentation.
6. As we utilize technology to advance the work of the Gospel, we remain mindful of our shared humanity and that these technological tools are to enhance that mission.

I acknowledge that the use of AI and AGI can be personal and communal. Some may choose to refrain from using these tools in any capacity, while others may choose to use them. As we learn more about these technologies and the associated potential harm, I invite all to ongoing discernment regarding the ethical implications and our commitment to the dignity and well-being of all people. 

I continue to rejoice in the creativity and faithfulness of our diocese, especially our dedication to community and God’s ongoing work in our midst. In all aspects of our shared ministry, let us continue to honor our human creativity and ingenuity, proclaiming the redemption of Jesus Christ with honesty and integrity. May God, who has created us, redeemed us, and called us, be praised and glorified in all that we do. 

Blessings of peace and hope for the journey,

The Right Reverend Dr. DeDe Duncan-Probe
Bishop of Central New York