3-Day Seminar on Public Theology and AI

From September 10th to 12th, 2024, Sacred Heart Theological College (SHTC) in Shillong hosted a ground-breaking seminar titled “Public Theology and AI.” The event brought together 200 participants for a deep dive into the intersection of theological principles and technological advancements. This three-day seminar was structured around two key themes: Public Theology of Missio Inter Gentes and Cum Gentibus and Artificial Intelligence in Theologizing and Evangelizing.

A Warm Welcome and Opening Insights

The seminar began with a heartfelt welcome from Prof. Sunil Barla SDB, Rector of SHTC. In his opening address, Prof. Barla emphasized the importance of engaging with contemporary issues in theology, particularly as they intersect with rapidly advancing technologies like AI. He highlighted the seminar’s aim to explore how public theology can address and integrate these modern challenges.

Following this, Prof. Jose Chunkapura SDB, Director of SHTC, provided an introductory overview. Prof. Chunkapura set the stage for the seminar by outlining the importance of the two themes. He encouraged participants to engage actively in discussions and bring forward innovative ideas on how theology and AI could coexist and enrich each other.

Expert Insights and Discussions

The seminar featured distinguished resource persons who offered invaluable perspectives on the topics at hand:

• Dr. Francis Antony Vincent SDB, Professor at Salesian Pontifical University in Rome, delved into the Public Theology of Missio Inter Gentes and Cum Gentibus. His sessions focused on the role of theology in global contexts and how the church’s mission can adapt to diverse cultural settings.
• Prof. Michael Vojtas SDB, also from Salesian Pontifical University, contributed his expertise on the implications of Artificial Intelligence in theological discourse and evangelization. Prof. Vojtas explored how AI can be utilized to spread religious messages and how theological thought can address the ethical implications of AI.
• His Grace, Most Rev. Bishop Emeritus Thomas Menamparampil offered profound reflections on integrating these themes into practical ministry. His insights bridged the gap between abstract theological concepts and their real-world applications.

Engaging Discussions and Group Work

The seminar was structured to encourage active participation. Various group discussions were organized, allowing attendees to engage in meaningful dialogue about the themes. These discussions were instrumental in fostering a collaborative atmosphere where participants could share their thoughts and experiences, challenge assumptions, and brainstorm practical applications of the seminar’s themes.

Conclusion and Reflections

On the final day, Prof. Jose Scaria Palakeel MST provided a synthesis of the seminar’s outcomes. His synthesis brought together the key points discussed over the three days, highlighting the connections between public theology and AI, and proposing future directions for integrating these fields.

The seminar concluded with a thanksgiving prayer led by Prof. Jose Vettath SDB. The prayer was a moment of reflection, expressing gratitude for the insights gained and the collaborative spirit that characterized the seminar.