EARLY results from the newest Church Times survey suggest that half the Anglican respondents agree that being ministered to by artificial intelligence (AI) is preferable to no ministry in any respect.
More than 3000 people have thus far responded to the Church 2024 survey, launched last month (News, 12 April), and which closes later this 12 months. In an early sampling of 1772 of the responses, just three per cent felt that the Church should encourage the event of “AI ministers” — but 20 per cent thought that it was higher to have AI ministry than no ministry in any respect.
If it got here all the way down to a selection between a reliable AI minister and an incompetent human one, only 12 per cent would go for the pastoral robot. Just over 19 per cent, though, said that they would like a very good AI sermon to a foul human one.
The survey is being organised by Professors Andrew Village and Leslie Francis.
New questions this 12 months have a look at other contemporary issues, too, including the environment, racial justice, and changing views on ethical questions reminiscent of the legalisation of assisted dying. Some of the questions asked in 2001 and 2013 are repeated, to see how opinions have modified. There are also questions related to the Covid pandemic.
The aim is to supply evidence from each the lay and ordained to tell decisions about doctrine, worship, ministry, and mission.
The survey will run for several more months, and occasional updates will likely be given on the survey website. Participation takes about 15-20 minutes. No information held from the survey will link records to individuals.
For more information and to participate, scan the QR code, or visit: tinyurl.com/CTSurvey24
