Religious Leaders Urge Faith-Based Action on AI Ethics, Warn of Moral Vacuum in Tech Development

The General Secretary of the Christian Council of Nigeria (CCN), The Rt. Rev. Dr. Evans Onyemara has called on religious organizations in Nigeria to take proactive steps in addressing the growing influence of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Speaking at a Workshop on the intersection of AI and Religion held in Abuja on May 13, 2025, Dr. Onyemara emphasized the importance of religious bodies coming together to discuss AI’s impact on faith and beliefs. He described the workshop as a crucial starting point for an ongoing and continuous dialogue on the role of AI in shaping the future.

“This Workshop is a continuous conversation on the meeting points of faith and technology. It’s essential for Religious organizations not only react but to actively participate in shaping AI’s ethical development,” Dr. Onyemara stated.

The discussions kicked off with presentations on AI Ethical Challenges and Threats: An Islamic Perspective. In his presentation, The Administrative Secretary of the Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), Mr. Yusuf Ahmed Bida raised concerns about AI’s potential dangers. He spoke about the rise of deep fakes, the threat of job displacements, and the growing concentration of wealth, stressing the need to preserve human dignity and moral values. Bida emphasized that Islam loves knowledge and encourages research. He however highlighted the importance of religious guidance in integrating AI in a way that safeguards human life, intellect, and family connections.

The Very Rev. Ikechukwu Anaga, Director of Ecumenism and Interfaith Relations of the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria on his part acknowledged AI as a gift from God but cautioned against its potentials to erode emotional connections and human empathy. He urged religious communities to actively shape policies that govern AI’s use, noting the opportunities and challenges it presents, especially in education.

Barr. Gbenga Adesina, Legal Adviser of the Christian Council of Nigeria (CCN), reinforced the call for proactive action, advocating for foundational education to help young people understand and embrace AI. He emphasized that early education would empower the next generation to navigate the technological landscape with ethical awareness.

The Workshop also examined the current state of AI regulation in Nigeria with the Director, Institute of Church and Society (ICS), Ibadan, Very Rev. Kolada Fadahunsi sharing insights into the National AI Strategy. He noted that while the government is exploring AI’s economic, ethical, and social implications, it has largely ignored the religious perspectives. The Workshop concluded with a call to ensure that religious concerns are incorporated into all future regulatory policies.

Chinedu Hardy Nwadike, a Media Technologist and advocate for Faith-Sector innovation highlighted the importance of religious bodies becoming key players in the development of AI. He stressed that their participation is vital not only to shape policies but also to influence the technology itself, ensuring their relevance as stakeholders.

In his closing remarks, Dr. Onyemara reiterated the importance of religious organizations moving beyond a passive role in AI. “The future of AI cannot be shaped without the active participation of the religious communities,” he stated. “Together, we can ensure that AI serves humanity in a way that honors our core values and to the glory of God.”