Pastors, rabbis and a Muslim leader gathered behind closed doors at the University of San Francisco on Thursday for the first of what could become a series of interfaith meetings on artificial intelligence. The three‑hour session brought together Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone, Metropolitan Gerasimos, Rev. Devon Jerome Crawford, Rabbi Sarah Joselow Parris and others to explore what AI means for human dignity, family life and God‑given purpose.
Faith leaders seek guidance from AI developers
Michael Pappas, a Greek Orthodox priest and executive director of the San Francisco Interfaith Council, said the meeting was a rare chance for all major faith traditions to sit together. He noted that several participants have already spoken with executives from Anthropic and other AI firms, and that Anthropic has invited the group to a follow‑up discussion.
“The next step will be to sit at the same table with the folks who are developing this technology,” Pappas said. He previously delivered a sermon on AI ethics at Old First Presbyterian Church, warning that unchecked technology could erode the image of humanity created by God.
AI raises theological and practical concerns
Rev. Peter Levenstrong of St. Gregory of Nyssa Episcopal Church emphasized that “personhood is the most important theological and political question of the 21st century.” He warned that if AI takes over more work, the source of human dignity and agency could be jeopardized.
Levenstrong, whose congregation includes both artists and AI builders, has met with Anthropic executives and says the company is not trying to convince faith leaders that AI is conscious, but it wants the question fully examined.
Local clergy grapple with AI in worship
Rabbi Mychal Copeland of Sha’ar Zahav, a Reform LGBTQ synagogue in the Mission, expressed concern that congregants are using AI to draft sermons and curricula. “It’s not about not using it — it’s ridiculous to say don’t use it — but how you use it is important,” Copeland said.
Assistant Rabbi Sam Tygiel of Congregation Sherith Israel recently delivered a sermon about his own temptation to rely on AI for research, ultimately choosing to write the sermon himself.
Rev. Victor Floyd of Calvary Presbyterian Church said he avoids AI for sermon preparation due to sourcing and environmental worries, though he does use an AI tool for feedback. He drew a line at letting AI compose church music, emphasizing the need for human expression in worship.
Looking ahead
The interfaith council plans additional meetings with AI developers and hopes to develop a shared theological framework that protects families, upholds Christian and broader faith values, and ensures technology serves rather than supplants human purpose.
Original reporting: Mission Local — read the source article.
