The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has updated its “General Manual” to include principled guidance on the use of artificial intelligence.
The manual update, released on December 16, 2025, states that AI “cannot replace the gift of divine inspiration nor the individual work required to receive it.” He also warns that “interactions with AI cannot replace meaningful relationships with God and others.”
The text encourages Latter-day Saints to follow the example of Jesus Christ when learning, teaching, and developing relationships.
“Jesus Christ taught with power and authority. He sought divine guidance from his Father. He relied on scripture and prayer. He lived and taught only the things he learned from his Father,” the manual states. He adds that Jesus “had a personal and sacred relationship with his Father. He prayed to his Father, learned from him, and did his will. Jesus also had meaningful relationships with others. He listened to and spoke with them, understood their needs, and served them.”
The handbook also offers four principles to guide Latter-day Saints in the appropriate use of AI in their Church missions.
- If members use AI, they should do so in a positive, helpful, and uplifting way, respecting the integrity, standards, and teachings of the Church.
- AI cannot replace the individual work and spiritual guidance needed to prepare divinely inspired speeches, lessons, prayers, or blessings. However, AI can be useful for research, editing, translation and similar tasks.
- Leaders should not rely on AI to provide advice to members on medical, financial, legal, or other sensitive matters. If members need assistance beyond the spiritual guidance provided by Church leaders, knowledgeable professionals can be helpful.
- Sensitive information, such as Church records, members’ personal data, or confidential communications, should not be entered into AI tools that are not provided or maintained by the Church.
In addition to this manual update, Church leaders have taught the same principles on AI several times over the past two years.
For example, in January 2024, David A. Bednar told students at Brigham Young University (BYU) that AI can be good or bad, depending on how it is used. He encouraged them to use AI in ways that enhance their moral agency.
“Please do not let the supposed precision, speed and ease of modern technology tempt you to avoid or circumvent the right work that invites into your life the blessings you will need,” he said. “My beloved brothers and sisters, there are no spiritual shortcuts or quick fixes. »
Following up on this speech a few months later, Brother Bednar invited Latter-day Saints must do two important things: “humbly and prayerfully (1) identify gospel principles that can guide their use of artificial intelligence and (2) earnestly strive for the companionship of the Holy Ghost and the spiritual gift of revelation.” »
This is essential because, as Elder Bednar also taught, technological advancements such as AI “are part of the Lord’s quickening work in the last days.”
Apostle Gerrit W. Gong has also given several speeches focused on AI. In a speech delivered in March 2024, he presented guiding principles on the use of AI to Church employees. And speaking at BYU in August 2025, he taught that seeking God’s wisdom and understanding should be our highest priority. Like Elder Bednar, he said AI should support – not supplant – our connection to Divinity.
“Artificial intelligence is not God and cannot be God. » Elder Gong said. “We can consciously choose and intentionally use AI as a tool for good (and)… we can invite leaders and citizens in industry, research, civic and government agencies, and religious leaders to align rapid developments in AI with religious principles and enduring moral values.”
Elder Gong emphasized that God will bless us with wisdom and understanding if we “intentionally desire and diligently seek wisdom and understanding.”
“Artificial intelligence cannot replace revelation or generate truth from God,” he said. “We have a responsibility to ensure that the Holy Spirit can attest to the truth and authenticity of everything we say and share – in our form and in our content. »
At a Vatican City summit of faith, thought and technology leaders on the ethics of AI in October 2025, Elder Gong reaffirmed the need for AI Assessment on Faith and Ethics for artificial intelligence models.
“Portraying religious traditions accurately and respectfully is not an imposition of religion on AI. Rather, it is a public necessity,” Elder Gong said. “This is especially necessary as increasing numbers of people ask AI about faith and beliefs, and as AI becomes the primary source of information about religious traditions.”
Latter-day Saints are encouraged to consult the teachings of Church leaders on artificial intelligence and “General Manual” section 38.8.47, “Appropriate Use of Artificial Intelligence.”