14 Nov 2025 WACC Asia explores how technology and faith intersect in the digital age
WACC’s regional association in Asia recently hosted an online discussion on how faith communities can respond to the rapid development of artificial intelligence. WACC Asia secretary Trudy Bandara reports on the fruitful conversation, which was led by regional president Revd Dr M. Peter Singh.
Why this topic, and why now?
The idea for this discussion “Faith and the Future: A Christian Worldview on Artificial Intelligence” emerged from WACC Asia’s ongoing commitment to digital justice and ethical communication.
With AI becoming a major force shaping society, our region saw an urgent need to explore this digital technology’s implications through a Christian lens – focusing on faith, ethics, and responsible communication in an increasingly digital world.
As digital media continues to influence social and spiritual life across the region, WACC Asia aims to promote awareness and dialogue about how technology can be used for justice, inclusion, and truth rather than misinformation or inequality.
Called to engage actively with the challenges AI presents
Revd Dr M. Peter Singh opened the session by noting that faith, when it becomes hope, pushes people toward the future – a reminder that Christians must engage actively, not passively, with the challenges of AI.
He highlighted that AI represents both extraordinary promise and profound peril, calling it a “new scientific revolution” that demands theological, ethical, and spiritual reflection.
Quoting thinkers such as Yuval Harari and Carl Sagan, he invited participants to ask uncomfortable but essential questions about what it means to be human in an age of intelligent machines.
Dr Singh explained that theology today must be dynamic: “Theology is no longer only God-talk; it is talking to God in every new reality of life.”
He emphasized that humans, created in the imago Dei, now create machines in their own image – raising deep questions about identity, consciousness, and human dignity.
Naming ethical concerns
Key ethical concerns Dr Singh raised included:
- Algorithmic bias and fairness – AI systems can mirror and amplify social inequalities.
- Autonomy and responsibility – If AI acts independently, who is morally accountable?
- Surveillance and privacy – Technology can empower or control, depending on how it is used.
- Human dignity and employment – Automation must not reduce people to “replaceable parts.”
- Deification of the algorithm – Society risks treating AI as an ultimate authority, displacing God.
Opportunities for inclusion and social justice
Dr Singh also outlined opportunities for the Church:
- Using AI to cross language and cultural barriers in worship and communication
- Supporting digital inclusion to close the gap between privileged and marginalized communities
- Practicing “digital shepherding” – guiding believers through technology with wisdom and care
- Promoting AI for social justice, amplifying the voices of the poor and underrepresented
Humans, created in the "imago Dei," now create machines in their own image – raising deep questions about identity, consciousness, and human dignity.
He warned, however, that AI must remain a servant of the Gospel, not its replacement.
“The challenge is not to baptize every innovation uncritically,” he said, “but to ensure that technology serves humanity without diminishing human presence, creativity, or compassion.”
Dr Singh concluded that the Church’s mission is to use AI faithfully, while resisting the temptation to let it become an idol.
Participants noted how technology both connects and divides communities. One person reflected that AI can empower communication but also risks deepening digital divides if not used ethically.
3 key takeaways about faith and the digital future
- The Church needs to play an active role in shaping the moral use of AI.
- Digital justice should include equal access to digital literacy and truth-based communication.
- Collaboration among faith communities can help address ethical and social challenges in the AI era.
Next steps for WACC Asia
WACC Asia plans to continue exploring faith and digital justice themes through follow-up reflections, online dialogues, and youth engagement programs.
Image generated by WACC using Canva Magic Studio
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