GC45 WF32: NAK01 Development of an AI Policy for the United Church of Canada for Summer 2025

Nearly all discussion groups were in favour of The United Church developing a policy for the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Groups noted that the original proposal did not name the potential ecological impacts of the expanded use of artificial intelligence, although this was discussed in the clarifying questions. 

Some discussion groups had issue with the drafting of a policy and instead suggested that it be switched to guidelines.  

Some groups raised questions about the theological and pastoral implications of the use of artificial intelligence in church and society, noting that this was a possible piece of work that the Theology and Inter-Church Inter-Faith Committee (TICIF) had already identified for future consideration. 

Therefore, the Way Forward Team proposes: 

That, in response to NAK01 Development of an AI Policy for the United Church of Canada, the 45th General Council, 2025: 

• Direct the General Secretary to establish an artificial intelligence task group to develop best practices and guidelines for ethical and effective use of artificial intelligence by the United Church
• Direct the Theology and Inter-Church Inter-Faith Committee (TICIF) to conduct a study of the theological and pastoral implications of the use of artificial intelligence in church and society, including attention to the ecological impacts of artificial intelligence
• Take no further action on NAK01 Development of an AI Policy