By Carlos Luis
Bengaluru, October 19, 2026: How does humanity embrace the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence without eroding moral conscience, personal responsibility, and fundamental human dignity?
That core dilemma took centre stage at the 36th Annual Meeting of the Association of Moral Theologians of India (AMTI), convened from October 16 to 18 at the Nava Spoorthy Kendra Redemptorist Retreat and Renewal Centre in Bengaluru.
Convening under the banner “Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Humanity: Challenges and Moral Response,” the conference brought together scholars, clergy, and domain experts to evaluate the sweeping societal impacts of algorithmic systems through theological, pastoral, and legal frameworks.
Opening the conference, Redemptorist Father Edward Joseph, highlighted the ethical accountability required of societies integrating AI across everyday life. He stressed that theological guidance and pastoral care must stay attuned to the day-to-day realities of ordinary citizens.
Father Joseph outlined three foundational tenets to govern technological engagement:
- AI must elevate human potential rather than undermine it.
- It must sharpen and protect human conscience rather than erode moral reasoning.
- It must be developed and appraised against the standard of human dignity and its ability to draw individuals closer to the love of God.
Economic disparity emerged as another critical focal point. Delivering the presidential address, Carmelites of Mary Immaculate Father Josin George Kaithakulam questioned the equity of wealth generated by automated productivity.
He warned against an uneven distribution of AI-driven gains that leaves vulnerable populations sidelined, insisting that shared prosperity and the common good must remain the benchmark of ethical progress.
The multi-disciplinary agenda included expert insights from outside traditional theology: Cybersecurity and Law: Keynote speaker Harold D’Costa unpacked the legal exposure, privacy vulnerabilities, and governance hurdles posed by emerging automated tools.
Education and Consciousness: Carmelites of Mary Immaculate Father Gregory Malayil examined the pedagogical utility of smart research tools while probing deeper questions surrounding consciousness and responsible adoption.
Participants delivered research papers spanning a wide array of sectors impacted by automation, including healthcare, reproductive technology, labour, parenting, democratic governance, journalism, and personal relationships.
Across every track, speakers reiterated that technical innovation cannot be decoupled from moral judgment and communal wellbeing.
Auxiliary Bishop Stephen Eustace Victor Fernandes of Bombay challenged attendees to ensure these academic discussions reach beyond the conference hall.
He urged moral theologians to actively build ethical literacy and translate theological insight into concrete guidance within their respective ministries and communities.
Rather than advocating technophobia or passive submission to automation, the conference struck a measured balance: technology must remain an instrument in service of people, safeguarding human conscience and honoring the inherent worth of every individual.
(Photo supplied)