Moral Theologians Call for Ethical Guardrails on AI

BENGALURU, October 19, 2026: India’s moral theologians have called for ethical safeguards to ensure artificial intelligence serves humanity rather than undermines human dignity, conscience and social justice, placing accountability and equitable sharing of technological benefits at the centre of the debate.

The call emerged at the 36th Annual Conference of the Association of Moral Theologians of India (AMTI), held from October 16 to 18 at Nava Spoorthy Kendra, a Redemptorist retreat and renewal centre in Bengaluru. The conference focused on “Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Humanity: Challenges and Moral Response.”

At the inaugural session, Fr. Dr. Edward Joseph, CSsR, urged theologians to develop clear moral and pastoral guidelines for AI, insisting that technology should enhance human capabilities, strengthen conscience and uphold human dignity.

Fr. Dr. Josin George Kaithakulam, CMI, raised concerns about economic inequality, questioning whether the wealth and productivity generated by AI would benefit society equitably. He stressed that technological progress must be measured against the principles of fairness, shared prosperity and the common good.

The conference examined AI’s implications for education, healthcare, employment, governance, democracy, journalism and human relationships. Cyber law and security expert Dr. Harold D’Costa delivered the keynote address, while Fr. Dr. Gregory Malayil, CMI, explored AI’s applications in education and research, including questions surrounding consciousness.

Bishop Stephen Eustace Victor Fernandes urged moral theologians to translate ethical reflection into practical guidance for communities facing the consequences of technological change.

The conference advocated neither uncritical acceptance nor outright rejection of AI, but a human-centred approach that places ethical responsibility, social justice and the dignity of every person at the heart of technological development.

Fr. Carlos Luis, SAC