WCC News: Faith leaders call for "spiritual revolution" to counter AI-driven global inequality

As artificial intelligence reshapes economies and societies worldwide, theologians and academics who met in Korea have warned that new technologies could create unprecedented levels of global inequality unless guided by moral and spiritual principles. The New International Financial and Economic Architecture (NIFEA) Consultation, held 27-29 August and organized jointly by the World Council of Churches (WCC) and ecumenical partners, positioned faith communities as key voices in tackling challenges from child exploitation to environmental destruction in our connected world. Keynote speakers at the NIFEA Consultation 2025 in South Korea. 03 September 2025 Theologians, academics, and faith leaders from across Asia gathered to study how the Fourth Industrial Revolution affects global inequality and to create faith-rooted responses. Rev. Dr Kenneth Mtata, WCC programme director for Life, Justice, and Peace, worked with international experts to address pressing questions about technology's role in human flourishing. “In a world fractured by the digital divide, we must pray and labour not only for hyper-connection of devices, but for full communion among God, humanity, and creation. This, I believe, is what Christians today must proclaim as the Fifth Revolution—the Spiritual Revolution—for the age of the Fourth Industrial Revolution,” said Dr Chang Yoon-Jae, dean of the School of Theology at Ewha Womans University. Speakers exposed severe gaps in technology access. Rev. Dr Tracy Trothen from Queens University noted that “roughly 51% of rural populations lack high-speed internet access required for many AI services. Approximately 2.6 billion people are offline with most living in sub-Saharan Africa: violating Christian principles of stewardship and commitment to human flourishing.” Participants warned about AI's impact on vulnerable populations, particularly children. Rev. Dr Lizette Pearl Tapia from Union Theological Seminary-Philippines warned that online sexual abuse and exploitation represents “a globalized, digitalized and immortalized victimization of children” that AI tools make more sophisticated through synthetic images and automated grooming systems. Dr Katleho Mokoena from the University of Witwatersrand called for churches to move beyond theological statements to active engagement. “In the AI and digital policy landscape, the impact of technology on religion and spirituality is not discussed and the voice of the church is almost non-existent,” Mokoena said. “Now is a crucial time for the church to be prophetic; unmasking technology, speaking truth to power, and advocate for justice.” Lin Wan-Jou from National Taiwan Normal University challenged environmental promises around AI. “Whatever environmental gains AI may promise are vastly outweighed by the emissions and extractive damage required to sustain it,” she argued. Rev. Dr Park Seong Won from Gyeongan Theological Graduate University warned that “if 'AI illiteracy' or mass unemployment continues, it could trigger sharp spikes in hatred, polarization, and violence.” The NIFEA Consultation took place at Kwanglim Seminar House in Pocheon-si, Korea, bringing together diverse voices to develop theological and practical responses to technological transformation. The organizing partners include the World Communion of Reformed Churches, Lutheran World Federation, World Methodist Council, Council for World Mission, and United Society Partners in the Gospel. WCC convenes major gatherings on economic justice and artificial intelligence in South Korea (News Release, 14 August 2025) NIFEA Consultation: The Fourth Industrial Revolution and Artificial Intelligence - Impacts on Global Inequality and Faith-rooted Responses See more

The World Council of Churches promotes Christian unity in faith, witness and service for a just and peaceful world. An ecumenical fellowship of churches founded in 1948, today the WCC brings together 356 Protestant, Orthodox, Anglican and other churches representing more than 580 million Christians in over 120 countries, and works cooperatively with the Roman Catholic Church. The WCC general secretary is Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay from the Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa.  Media contact: +41 79 507 6363; www.oikoumene.org/press Our visiting address is: World Council of Churches Chemin du Pommier 42 Kyoto Building Le Grand-Saconnex CH-1218 Switzerland