Faith leaders, theologians and academics from around the world gathered Aug. 27–29 at the Kwanglim Seminar House to explore how emerging technologies — particularly artificial intelligence — are transforming economies, deepening global inequality and challenging ethical, theological and environmental norms.
The consultation, part of the New International Financial and Economic Architecture (NIFEA) initiative, was organized by the World Communion of Reformed Churches in partnership with the World Council of Churches, Lutheran World Federation, World Methodist Council, Council for World Mission and United Society Partners in the Gospel.
Held under the theme “The Fourth Industrial Revolution and Artificial Intelligence: Impacts on Global Inequality and Faith-rooted Responses,” the three-day gathering examined how advanced technologies — from AI and neurotechnologies to cryptocurrencies and data-driven economies — are reshaping labor, human rights and ecological sustainability.
The Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), marked by widespread automation and digitalization, builds on previous technological eras while accelerating disruption across every sector of society. Framed within a global capitalist system, participants noted that such innovation often reinforces — rather than challenges — structures of inequality and ecological exploitation.
“The consultation has been an eye-opening experience in understanding the transforming world we are in — one that may soon be controlled and led by artificial intelligence,” said the Rev. Minwoo Oh, program coordinator for gender justice at WCRC. “The tone of the consultation was that if there are no regulations on AI, it might lead to even more inequalities. Despite the unlimited possibilities that AI might bring, if not regulated, it might be the end of the world as we know it.”
Ecological Costs and Global Disparities
The ethical and environmental costs of AI were a central concern, especially regarding its dependence on energy and extractive industries. “From ecological perspectives — a broader climate justice perspective — the problem goes beyond AI’s electricity,” said Dr. Won Jou Lin, of National Taiwan Normal University and the Presbyterian Church in Taiwan. “AI is embedded in an industry that extracts and exploits Earth’s resources at massive scale. The hype around ‘AI for nature protection’ is deeply problematic. Whatever environmental gains AI may promise are vastly outweighed by the emissions and extractive damage required to sustain it.”
Speakers also warned that AI is emerging within existing global power imbalances, which could lead to a new digital divide — or even a “digital empire” — where economic benefits accrue to wealthy nations and tech elites, while poorer countries face job displacement, surveillance and environmental harm.
Immersive Dialogue and Faith-based Advocacy
The consultation included worship, panel discussions and local immersion activities. The first day focused on the implications of 4IR for inequality, finance, gender, racial justice and ecological sustainability. The second day grounded discussions in lived experiences, highlighting how churches are engaging with technology and democracy in their contexts. On the final day, participants worked in groups to draft faith-rooted advocacy strategies promoting an Economy of Life — one where innovation is shaped by justice, equity and ecological care.
Participants joined both in person and online, representing regions including Asia, Africa and the Americas. Organizers said the consultation will result in a theological communiqué and a faith-based advocacy plan addressing the ethical, social and environmental dimensions of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
“Faith communities have a critical role to play in shaping the values and visions that guide technological development,” said organizers. “This NIFEA consultation is a call to action — to ensure that AI and other innovations serve the common good, rather than reinforce existing systems of power, inequality and ecological destruction.”
