Faith and AI Collide as New Liaison Bridges Ethics and Technology

The Future of Life Institute has appointed Brian J.A. Boyd as its U.S. faith liaison, focusing on AI ethics and its impact on society. His role involves engaging with religious communities to address their concerns about artificial intelligence. Meanwhile, tensions have risen between AI developer Anthropic and the government over regulatory oversight.

Boyd’s work centres on ensuring AI serves the common good while protecting human dignity. He recently collaborated with Catholic moral theologians to file an amicus brief in Anthropic’s legal dispute with the Department of War. The case stems from Anthropic’s push for minimal moral oversight of its AI products, which the government countered by labelling the company a national security risk.

The Future of Life Institute, where Boyd serves, has just closed a funding round for projects helping faith groups voice their ethical demands around AI. Boyd also anticipates Pope Leo XIV’s upcoming encyclical, *Magnifica Humanitas*, to be a practical guide on safeguarding human dignity in the face of AI’s rapid development. He expects the document to emphasise protecting children’s education and the dignity of human labour. Boyd hopes the encyclical will be met with humility and acted upon with courage. His broader mission aligns with the institute’s goal: steering transformative technologies away from extreme risks and towards benefiting humanity.

Boyd’s efforts highlight growing collaboration between faith communities and AI ethics advocates. The encyclical and ongoing legal battles will likely shape how AI is regulated and deployed in the future. Religious and ethical perspectives are increasingly influencing the debate over technology’s role in society.