A few years ago, I was visiting a traditional Fijian village. During my visit, we were sitting around on the floor of this Fijian thatched house, sharing yaqona or kava and telling stories. Then, quite unexpectedly, we could hear the familiar sound of a mobile phone! It belonged to one of the young men who were serving the kava.
This dial tone rang out a warning. Modern communications technology had crossed not just the surrounding hills but also centuries of technological progress. Even this isolated village in the hills of Fiji had become part of a global world.
I should add that while it could be interpreted as yet another example of neo-colonialism, the invasion of a traditional culture by Western hi-tech, on the other hand, some of the best websites I have come across have been produced by indigenous communities around the world. Pacifican websites can be exciting because Pacific islanders bring their native creativity to bear upon modern computer technology.
Recently, churches and religious leaders have been reflecting upon the impact of AI on society and the church. For example, there is an insightful document from the Vatican entitled “Antiqua et nova: Note on the Relationship Between Artificial Intelligence and Human Intelligence” (January 4, 2025).
Central to this document is a section entitled “Specific Questions”. The first of these is the question of what AI contributes to society. Pope Francis once said, “the inherent dignity of each human being and the fraternity (sic) that binds us together as members of the one human family must undergird the development of new technologies and serve as indisputable criteria for evaluating them before they are employed.” (Message for the LVII World Day of Peace - January 1, 2024) The second question concerns “AI and human relationships”. Use of AI should ensure respect for workers, for job security and just wages, as well as standing up for justice, peace, and integrity of creation. The third question concerns “AI and healthcare”. We need to ensure equal access to developments in medical healthcare. Next, in education, critical thinking should not give way to increased reliance on computer technology. This document then looks at the issues of “misinformation, deepfakes and abuse” and the need to promote peace rather than violence, truth rather than hatred and intolerance. There is also the question of our relationship to our “common home” because current AI models demand energy that can drain our limited resources and further damage our planet. A disturbing question is the connection between AI and warfare and the possibility of lethal machines operating autonomously. Finally, it looks at “AI and Our Relationship with God”. This reminds us that when it comes to reliance on AI, we are in danger of creating idols. We must always bear in mind that AI and computer technology is the work of human hands and can never replace the longing to deepen our relationship with God.
As missionaries living among people who maintain traditional ways of life, like the village in the hills of Fiji, I think we need to reflect further upon how AI or computer technology can help to enhance or impede the work of the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Fr Tom Rouse
Regional Councillor of Oceania
Mission Intentions
March - For disarmament and peace: Let us pray that nations move toward effective disarmament, particularly nuclear disarmament and that world leaders choose the path of dialogue and diplomacy instead of violence.
April - For priests in crisis: Let us pray for priests going through moments of crisis in their vocation, that they may find the accompaniment they need and that communities may support them with understanding and prayer.
Listen to "Mission World - Internet Technology"
Related links
- Read more from The Far East - March/April 2026
