A Lack of Agency: Artificial Intelligence Has So Far Shown Little Potential for Church Innovation—An Exploratory Interview Study with Protestant and Catholic Leaders in Germany

This study explores the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in religious leadership in Germany, focusing on the interplay between technological innovation, theological principles, and human interaction. Drawing on qualitative methods, 23 Christian leaders and experts were interviewed to examine their perceptions, assessments, and potential applications of AI and related technologies in their work, alongside ethical and theological considerations. The findings reveal a prevailing ambivalence towards AI: while it is generally accepted as a tool for administrative tasks, its use in pastoral contexts encounters resistance due to ethical concerns and theological tensions. Despite predominantly neutral to positive attitudes, many leaders lack proactive engagement in exploring AI’s transformative potential—pointing to a marked lack of agency. Digital competence among leaders emerges as a significant factor influencing the openness to AI adoption. This study identifies key barriers to the integration of AI into religious practice and underscores the need for strategic education and planning. It advocates for a balanced approach to leveraging AI in ways that align with religious values while embracing innovation in a digitalizing society.