The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has introduced new guidelines regarding the use of artificial intelligence (A.I.) in its updated General Handbook. This release emphasizes that while A.I. can serve as a valuable research tool, it should not replace personal relationships with God or others. The church’s new guidelines aim to guide members in utilizing A.I. positively, ensuring that it aligns with the church’s integrity, standards, and teachings.
The handbook specifically cautions against using A.I. for the preparation of “divinely inspired” talks, lessons, prayers, or blessings, highlighting the importance of individual work and spiritual guidance. It acknowledges, however, that A.I. may assist in tasks such as research, editing, and translation. Moreover, the church advises members to avoid using A.I. systems not managed by the church when handling sensitive information, including church records and personal data.
These guidelines extend to church leaders, who are advised not to rely on A.I. for advice in sensitive matters such as medical, financial, or legal issues. This cautious approach reflects sentiments expressed by church leaders in recent years regarding the ethical implications of A.I. technology.
Apostle David A. Bednar addressed students at Brigham Young University in January 2024, underscoring the potential benefits and drawbacks of A.I. He warned against the temptation to use technology as a substitute for spiritual guidance, stating, “Please do not allow the supposed accuracy, speed and ease of modern technologies to entice you to avoid or circumvent the righteous work that invites into your life the blessings you will need.” Bednar emphasized that there are “no spiritual shortcuts or quick fixes.”
In 2025, Apostle Gerrit W. Gong focused on the moral use of A.I. within the church and other religious contexts. During BYU’s Education Week in August of that year, he articulated the limitations of A.I., asserting, “A.I. cannot provide inspired divine truth or independent moral guidance.” Gong noted that while humans can create A.I., the technology cannot create God.
Gong has also engaged in discussions about A.I. ethics on global platforms, including religious conferences in Turkey and the Vatican. He emphasized the responsibility of faith leaders to ensure that A.I. is used ethically and safely. “Even in a world influenced by secular thought, not only religious believers but citizens everywhere want religious and moral leaders to help ensure A.I. is safe and can be trusted,” he stated at the Religions for Peace World Council in Istanbul.
The recent updates to the General Handbook also include changes beyond A.I. guidelines. Among these are provisions allowing 18-year-olds to participate in youth activities, camps, and conferences. Additionally, it mandates that a member of the children’s Primary presidency attend weekly missionary coordination and temple and family history meetings in local congregations.
Further updates clarify the process of receiving patriarchal blessings and redefine the terminology surrounding patriarch status from “nonfunctioning” to “not actively serving.” The handbook also elaborates on the purpose of weekly missionary coordination meetings, reinforcing the use of the Covenant Path Progress report and aligning with the church’s “Preach My Gospel” curriculum.
Moreover, the guidelines surrounding welfare assistance have been updated to stress that all members receiving aid must implement a self-reliance plan, though bishops may provide urgent assistance before completion of that plan. Emphasizing a holistic approach, the updates indicate that members receiving welfare assistance should strive for both temporal and spiritual progress, even if they are not regularly attending church meetings or adhering to church standards.
The updates to the General Handbook reflect the church’s commitment to navigating the complexities of modern technology while upholding its core values. As A.I. continues to influence various aspects of life, the church seeks to guide its members in using the technology responsibly, ensuring that spiritual integrity and moral considerations take precedence in an evolving digital landscape.
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