Ghost in the machine

Description

Artificial intelligence writes texts, generates images, and has long been making inroads into church practice and theological work. What was just science fiction a few years ago is now part of sermon preparation, educational work, and communication. The question is no longer whether the church is confronted with AI, but how it responsibly handles it. The conference of the Center for Theology and Ethics of the Evangelical Reformed Church of Switzerland addresses the ethical and theological challenges of this development. How does AI change our understanding of truth, responsibility, and human dignity? What power structures influence its development, and what guidelines are needed for its use in church practice? In dialogue with experts from AI research, digital ethics, and theology, current developments are contextualized, and orientation knowledge for church and society is developed. The goal is a factual engagement beyond alarmism and naivety. Target audience church leaders, pastors, interested staff, and members of various Christian churches. - Conference flyer with detailed program (PDF) - Workshop content (PDF) Guests - Prof. Dr. Thilo Stadelmann, ZHAW School of Engineering, Centre for Artificial Intelligence - Prof. Dr. Sarah Spiekermann, Institute for Business Informatics & Society, Vienna University of Economics and Business - Spiro Mavrias, Reformed Church Canton of Zurich - Dr. Fabian Winiger, Chair of Spiritual Care, University of Zurich - Dr. Lea Chilian, Institute for Social Ethics, University of Zurich - Dr. Oliver Dürr, Center for Faith & Society, University of Fribourg - Simeon Stiefel, Swiss Evangelical Alliance SEA - Prof. Dr. Beth Singler, UZH Digital Society Initiative, Digital Religion(s), University of Zurich - Cornelia Diethelm, Center for Digital Responsibility - Dr. Alexandra Kaiser-Duliba, Faculty of Theology, University of Lucerne - Andreas Loos, Podcast «GeistZeit», RefLab - Thorsten Dietz, Podcast «GeistZeit», RefLab Leadership/Moderation - Stefanie Fischer-Lüthi, Academic Assistant in Theology and Ethics, Evangelical Reformed Church of Switzerland EKS - Dr. Dr. Manuel Schmid, Head of Theology and Ethics, Evangelical Reformed Church of Switzerland EKS - Dr. Sebastian Muders, Head of Environmental and Health Ethics Department, Paulus Academy Cost CHF 120/80* *Members of the Paulus Academy Supporters' Association and FKSZ, with KulturLegi, AHV/IV or student ID including lunch and breaks Registration until Monday, October 12, 2026