It’s not for writing “divinely inspired” talks, for example, but it can be a useful research tool.
(The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) The Church has released new updates to its general manual.
In the latest update to its general manual, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints revealed new guidelines for the latest technological craze: artificial intelligence.
“Interactions with AI cannot replace meaningful relationships with God and others,” the new section of the manual warns. “…If members use AI, they should do so in a positive, helpful and uplifting way, respecting the integrity, standards and teachings of the Church. »
And while the Church discourages members from using AI to replace “the individual work and spiritual guidance required to prepare divinely inspired talks, lessons, prayers, or blessings,” it recognizes that the technology “can be useful for research, editing, translation, and similar tasks.”
The new section also warns members against using non-church AI systems when handling sensitive information such as church records, members’ personal data or confidential communications.
These guidelines also apply to church leaders who are advised not to rely on AI for advice when helping their members with “medical, financial, legal, or other sensitive matters.”
And these principles echo sentiments expressed by top Church leaders about AI in recent years.
In January 2024, the apostle David A. Bednar to students at church-owned Brigham Young University on the pros and cons of AI. He advised them to use this new technology wisely, saying it was a powerful tool that had the potential to help them receive blessings or diminish their free will.
“Please don’t let the supposed precision, speed and ease of modern technology tempt you to avoid or bypass the right work that invites into your life the blessings you will need,” Bednar said. “…There are no spiritual shortcuts or quick fixes.”
(Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) Apostle Gerrit W. Gong, center, speaks with Father Paolo Benanti, right, and Father John Paul Kimes during a summit on AI ethics in Rome on Tuesday, October 21, 2025.
Gerrit W. Gong, the first and only Asian American Apostle, spent much of 2025 advocating the moral use of AI in the Church and other religious contexts.
At BYU Education Week in August 2025, Gong spoke about the limited moral capabilities of this high-tech tool.
“AI cannot provide inspired divine truth or independent moral guidance,” he said. “As God’s creation, man can create AI, but AI cannot create God. »
(The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) Apostle Gerrit W. Gong speaks to Church workers in 2024 about artificial intelligence.
Gong has also spoken at global religious conferences in Turkey and the Vatican on the responsibility of believers to safeguard the ethical, safe and moral use of AI.
“Even in a world influenced by secular thinking, not only religious believers but citizens around the world want religious and moral leaders to help ensure that AI is safe and trustworthy. » Gong said in July at the World Council of Religions for Peace in Istanbul.
Other fees updates in the “General manual: Serving in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints” include:
• Young people aged 18 can participate in youth activities, camps and conferences.
• In their local congregations, a member of the Children’s Primary presidency should attend weekly missions coordination meetings and ward temple and family history coordination meetings.
• Information on calling the patriarchs and receiving patriarchal blessings has been updated by replacing the term “non-functional” with “not actively serving.” An explanation of the purpose of patriarchal blessings has also been added along with an updated list of resources.
• An update clarified the purpose of weekly mission coordination meetings, emphasizing use of the Covenant Path Progress report and aligning with the Church’s “Preach My Gospel” curriculum.
• Clarifying instructions were given regarding social assistance. The additions emphasize that all members receiving assistance must use a self-care plan, but that lay bishops can provide assistance to members with urgent needs before their plan is completed. Text was also added that members receiving welfare should make efforts to progress temporally and spiritually. “However, temporary assistance may be provided even if members are not yet attending church meetings or following church standards.”
Recent updates to the manual can be found here.
