The intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and human well-being has become a focal point for global discussions, with policymakers, technologists, and religious leaders increasingly collaborating to address its societal implications. On June 9, the European Union and the International Affairs Office of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) co-hosted a seminar at the European Parliament in Brussels, Belgium. Titled “Health and Well-being in the Age of Artificial Intelligence: Communities Tackling Isolation and Digital Risks,” the event brought together leaders from religious organizations, philosophical groups, and non-confessional entities to explore how AI is reshaping human health, loneliness, and social connections. This collaboration underscores a growing recognition that technological advancement must be guided by ethical frameworks rooted in both policy and spiritual values.

The EU AI Act: A Human-Centered Approach

The European Union’s AI Act, which came into effect in 2024, represents one of the most comprehensive regulatory efforts to date for governing artificial intelligence. Designed as a risk-based framework, the act categorizes AI systems according to their potential harm, imposing stricter oversight on high-risk applications such as biometric identification and deepfakes while encouraging innovation in lower-risk areas. The seminar highlighted how religious leaders are engaging with this legislation, emphasizing its human-centered principles.

Francesco Di Lillo, director of EU and International Affairs for the LDS Church, participated in a panel discussion that framed the AI Act through a moral lens. Drawing on teachings from Elder Gerrit W. Gong of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, Di Lillo argued that AI systems should not reduce individuals to “random data points” but instead reflect their inherent dignity as children of God. This perspective challenges policymakers to interpret the act’s risk-based framework beyond technical and safety considerations, advocating for a broader evaluation of how AI impacts human agency, autonomy, and social cohesion.

Di Lillo also referenced concerns raised by young Latter-day Saints in Brussels, who attended the Nexus Conference. These individuals expressed fears that while AI could enhance efficiency and connectivity, it might simultaneously erode meaningful human relationships. This tension between technological progress and relational well-being is central to the debate over AI’s role in society.

Reliability, Critical Thinking, and Digital Isolation

Parallel discussions at the European Parliament Liaison Office in Rome, Italy, expanded on these themes. Alessandro Dini Ciacci, director of communication for the LDS Church in Italy, outlined three key areas of concern: the reliability of AI systems, the cultivation of critical thinking, and the impact of digital habits on human relationships.

First, Dini Ciacci emphasized the importance of ensuring AI systems are trustworthy. While users often assume that AI-generated outputs are accurate, the technology is prone to errors, biases, and misinformation. This raises ethical questions about how societies should balance innovation with accountability. For instance, if an AI system provides health advice or legal guidance, whose responsibility is it when the information proves incorrect?

Second, he warned against complacency in critical thinking amid the flood of digital content. Dini Ciacci noted that while access to information has expanded, this does not automatically translate to understanding. Younger generations, particularly, risk becoming “highly informed but less discerning,” struggling to evaluate the credibility of sources or recognize algorithmic manipulation. This challenge underscores the need for education systems and community organizations to teach digital literacy as a core skill.

Third, Dini Ciacci highlighted how AI and digital habits might exacerbate social isolation. While technology enables global connectivity, it can also replace in-person interactions, weakening familial and communal bonds. He called for deliberate efforts to foster face-to-face relationships, suggesting that religious institutions and civic groups could play a vital role in creating spaces where human connection remains central.

Why This Matters: Bridging Faith, Policy, and Technology

The seminar’s significance lies in its unique approach to addressing AI’s societal impacts by bridging faith-based values with policy-making. Historically, religious institutions have played a critical role in shaping ethical norms, from medieval monastic schools to modern-day advocacy for digital rights. By engaging directly with EU policymakers, the LDS Church exemplifies how faith communities can contribute to shaping technological governance without compromising their core principles.

This collaboration also reflects broader trends in AI ethics. As governments worldwide grapple with regulating emerging technologies, there is increasing recognition that technical solutions alone cannot address complex societal challenges. For example, while the EU AI Act focuses on risk mitigation, it does not inherently account for how AI might affect mental health or social equity. By incorporating perspectives from religious leaders and community organizations, policymakers can develop more holistic frameworks that prioritize human well-being alongside innovation.

Moreover, the seminar highlights the role of interfaith and cross-sector dialogue in fostering inclusive governance. In an era where technology often outpaces regulation, such collaborations ensure diverse voices are heard, preventing AI development from becoming a tool for exacerbating existing inequalities.

Potential Impact: Shaping a Future of Ethical Innovation

The discussions at the seminar could influence several areas of AI policy and public discourse. First, they may encourage policymakers to expand the EU AI Act’s scope beyond technical metrics, incorporating assessments of how AI affects human agency and social cohesion. For instance, future regulations might require developers to evaluate the long-term psychological impacts of AI-driven services or mandate transparency in algorithms that influence decision-making.

Second, the emphasis on critical thinking and digital literacy could inspire educational reforms. Schools and universities may integrate courses on ethical technology use, teaching students not only how to interact with AI but also how to critically assess its implications. Religious institutions, with their established networks of community engagement, could partner with educators to design curricula that balance technological proficiency with moral reflection.

Third, the focus on human connection might lead to initiatives that counteract digital isolation. For example, governments and organizations could fund programs that promote in-person activities, such as community centers or cultural events, while leveraging AI tools to enhance accessibility rather than replace human interaction. The LDS Church’s emphasis on strengthening families and communities offers a model for how faith-based groups can contribute to these efforts globally.

Conclusion

The Brussels seminar marks a pivotal moment in the evolving dialogue about artificial intelligence’s role in society. By bringing together religious leaders, policymakers, and technologists, it demonstrates that ethical AI governance requires more than regulatory frameworks—it demands a multidisciplinary approach rooted in human dignity, critical thinking, and social connection. As AI continues to permeate every aspect of life, its impact will depend not only on how it is developed but also on how societies choose to use it.

Readers should watch for future developments in EU AI policy that incorporate broader societal values, as well as the growing role of religious institutions in shaping ethical guidelines for technology. Additionally, the intersection of faith and innovation offers a compelling model for addressing global challenges, proving that even in an age dominated by algorithms, human relationships remain central to our collective progress.

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Source

Read the original report: https://www.thechurchnews.com/living-faith/2026/06/25/eu-church-parliament-seminars-ai-artificial-intelligence-human-relationships/