By Linus Aleke, Abuja
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), has cautioned against unethical use of Artificial Intelligence.
Most Rev. Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, Archbishop of Owerri, and President Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), gave this warning on Wednesday, while delivering a keynote address at maiden edition of Communication Week public lecture in Abuja.
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He noted that the theme of this year’s commweek, “Artificial Intelligence: Challenges and Opportunities for Evangelization and Social Development,” underscores the church’s commitment to address not only the moral and spiritual welfare of people but also their social and material needs.
He said: “Despite the enormous benefits, the development and deployment of Al digital technology must be approached with ethical rigour. We must strive for a balance that prioritizes human welfare alongside technological progress, mindful of the ethical and moral dilemmas, as well as risks such as job displacement, threat to peace in the world, spread of falsehood through propaganda, manipulation of the human person, and privacy concerns through advanced hacking and deep-fakes. The Church has ceaselessly emphasized that collaboration between Al experts and social development practitioners is crucial. Together, we can identify areas where Al can significantly contribute to the common good. At this gathering, we hope to learn from experts the responsible and ethical use of Al, not only to benefit society but also to support the Church’s evangelization efforts. Thus, Al should be a tool for empowerment and progress, not a source of division and destruction”.
He noted that AI has turned out to be a cause for joy and a reason for worry at same time, stressing, “Joy because of the enormous positive possibilities as a result of the digital technology, and worry because of the grave life-defining dangers they pose at the same time.
Bishop Ugorji, said that the communication week is aimed at providing media education for Christ’s faithful in Nigeria.
“Through this annual lecture, the Catholic Bishops of Nigeria, intend to create a forum where experts can discuss issues that concern not only the Church and her mission but also the broader welfare of society. It is a platform for exchanging ideas and amplifying the Church’s voice on matters that affect humans and society, beyond the usual communiqués we regularly issue,” he said.
Emeritus Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, His Eminence, John Cardial Onaiyekan, said, scientific progress must be subject to human, moral and ethical control.
H noted that this ethical control is a responsibility that humanity abdicates at its great peril.
In his address of welcome, the Episcopal Chairman, Social Communications, Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), Most Rev. David Ajang, said the event marked a significant milestone in the church’s continuous journey towards fostering effective and faith-driven Communication within the community and beyond.
“As we gather here, let us reflect on the power of communication as a divine gift, one that holds the potential to bridge divides, enlighten minds, and unite hearts in the pursuit of truth and common good. May this effort be a testament to our commitment to harnessing this gift responsibly and with great love,” he said.
