A statement from the Rt Revd Martyn Snow, Lord Bishop of Leicester, on the use of AI:
“Over the weekend, the Telegraph reported that the Diocese of Leicester had given clergy training in how to use AI. To clarify, we had Professor Paul Chung (Emeritus Professor of Computer Science at Loughborough University) give a session at one of our study days in 2025.
“This has started a debate on how and why church leaders should use AI. I think it is extremely important for these kinds of conversations to be had.
“As the debate in the House of Lords on Friday 4 June revealed, there are a wide range of views of when and how AI can and should be used. As several speakers said, we should not simply assume that because we can do something, we should do it. There are moral, ethical, philosophical and spiritual questions to be addressed.
“So I want to encourage all clergy and church congregations to explore these questions and to do so in conversation with others. It is one part of the much wider debate that we need to have about this powerful new technology.”
*This statement was not produced by AI.
On Friday 4 June, Bishop Martyn spoke in a House of Lords debate on AI (artificial intelligence), led by the Archbishop of Canterbury.
Over the weekend, he also gave several media interviews where he reflected on the rapid rise of AI, the ethical questions it raises, and the importance of maintaining human responsibility in how it is used - especially in matters relating to faith, truth, and public life.
He expressed concern that AI could deepen divisions in society, spread misinformation, and add to increasing polarisation across the country. At the same time, he acknowledged that, used well, it has the potential to enhance creativity and improve communication.
Speaking about its place in ministry, Bishop Martyn added that while AI can be a helpful tool for research or drafting, sermons should remain grounded in the Bible, prayer, and genuine pastoral understanding, rather than relying solely on generated content.
You can read a transcript of Bishop Martyn’s conversation on BBC Radio 4 Sunday programme here.
Read his House of Lords speech here.
Read The Archbishop of Canterbury’s speech here.