Public Policy & NGOs
Here's a look at documents from public policy and non-governmental organizations
Featured Stories
United We Dream Condemns Federal Program Turning Airports Into Sites of Fear and Family Separation
WASHINGTON, Dec. 17 -- United We Dream issued the following news release:
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United We Dream Condemns Federal Program Turning Airports Into Sites of Fear and Family Separation
This program turns airports into deportation and detention traps through secret data sharing.
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Immigration agents are escalating efforts to target immigrants by accessing air travel data to track and detain travelers, effectively turning airports into sites of immigration enforcement. As the New York Times reported, through a little-known arrangement between the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and ICE,
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WASHINGTON, Dec. 17 -- United We Dream issued the following news release:
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United We Dream Condemns Federal Program Turning Airports Into Sites of Fear and Family Separation
This program turns airports into deportation and detention traps through secret data sharing.
*
Immigration agents are escalating efforts to target immigrants by accessing air travel data to track and detain travelers, effectively turning airports into sites of immigration enforcement. As the New York Times reported, through a little-known arrangement between the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and ICE,passenger information from domestic flights is being shared with immigration agents, who can then snatch people from our airports, even those with various types of status that have protected them from these very actions in the past. It also marks a wider threat to all travelers' civil liberties, due process and privacy rights.
The program, which began earlier this year without public notice, has already resulted in multiple detentions and rapid deportations, including 19-year-old college student Any Lucia Lopez Belloza who was detained at Boston Logan Airport while attempting to travel home to spend Thanksgiving with her family. Any was deported to Honduras just two days later, despite a court order barring her removal. Additionally, DACA recipient Catalina "Xochitl" Santiago was similarly targeted at the airport while boarding a domestic flight and later detained for weeks despite her valid DACA status. The policy signals a sharp expansion of federal surveillance and coordination to expedite deportations.
In response to this news, United We Dream released the following statement:
"By quietly handing travelers' information to immigration agents, the government is converting airports into ambush points where students, workers, and families can be detained without warning and stripped of any meaningful chance to defend themselves."
"This is not about safety or security, it's about supercharging an unpopular mass deportation agenda that prioritizes cruelty over humanity and due process. The simple act of traveling within the country should not lead to detention and exile. It is disgraceful that young college students like Any Lucia Lopez Belloza, who was trying to return home to see her family for the holidays, can be detained at the gate and deported within days."
"We're seeing in real time how extreme deportation quotas are exploiting databases, expanding surveillance, and targeting communities across the country, including many U.S. citizens. United We Dream will not stay silent while the communities who power this country are attacked. We call on Congress to pass permanent protections so immigrant youth and families can travel and live with dignity, instead of fear."
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United We Dream is the largest immigrant youth-led organization in the nation; made up of a multi-racial and multi-ethnic network of 1.2 million members, over 100 local groups, and a reach of over 5 million per month. UWD's vision is to push for just policies that allow everyone to thrive regardless of immigration status. United We Dream is fighting for a multi-racial democracy that works for everyone by building a movement of young people who organize and advocate for the dignity and justice of immigrants and communities of color. You can find more at www.unitedwedream.org.
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Original text here: https://unitedwedream.org/press/united-we-dream-condemns-federal-program-turning-airports-into-sites-of-fear-and-family-separation/
[Category: Political]
Oklahoma Supreme Court Strikes Down Social Studies Standards That Impose Christianity on Public School Students
WASHINGTON, Dec. 17 -- Americans United for Separation of Church and State issued the following news on Dec. 16, 2025:
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Oklahoma Supreme Court strikes down social studies standards that impose Christianity on public school students
OKLAHOMA CITY - In a victory for religious freedom, church-state separation, public education, and government transparency, the Oklahoma Supreme Court today ruled that former Superintendent of Public Instruction Ryan Walters and the Oklahoma State Board of Education (OSBE) unlawfully approved new K-12 social studies standards that promote Christianity to public
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Dec. 17 -- Americans United for Separation of Church and State issued the following news on Dec. 16, 2025:
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Oklahoma Supreme Court strikes down social studies standards that impose Christianity on public school students
OKLAHOMA CITY - In a victory for religious freedom, church-state separation, public education, and government transparency, the Oklahoma Supreme Court today ruled that former Superintendent of Public Instruction Ryan Walters and the Oklahoma State Board of Education (OSBE) unlawfully approved new K-12 social studies standards that promote Christianity to publicschool students. The decision came in the lawsuit Rev. Dr. Mitch Randall v. Lindel Fields, which was filed in July by 33 Oklahoma parents, children, public school teachers and faith leaders.
Oklahoma Supreme Court: Adoption of social studies standards violated Oklahoma Open Meeting Act
The court ruled that the social studies standards were adopted in a manner that violated the Oklahoma Open Meeting Act. Walters made last-minute changes to the standards without notifying the public or providing sufficient notice to the other members of the OSBE. The court declared the social studies standards invalid, and reinstated the prior version of the standards, which were enacted in 2019 and did not promote religion.
The plaintiffs are represented by Americans United for Separation of Church and State and Oklahoma Appleseed Center for Law and Justice. The organizations issued the following statements:
"Today's decision will ensure that Oklahoma families - not politicians - get to decide how and when their children engage with religion," said Rachel Laser, president and CEO of Americans United. "These new social studies standards violated students' and families' religious freedom by promoting one version of Christianity and advancing Christian Nationalist disinformation. Not on our watch. Public schools are not Sunday schools."
Brent Rowland, legal director of Oklahoma Appleseed: "This is a victory for transparency, fairness, and the constitutional rights of all Oklahomans. The authority to govern comes with accountability for making decisions in the full view of the people the government serves. Public school classrooms may not be used to endorse religious doctrine -- no matter what the religion is or how many people follow it. Overturning these standards means Oklahoma students can learn history and civics in a way that respects every family's beliefs while inspiring them to think critically, ask questions, and engage as informed members of our democracy. This decision moves us toward the open, rigorous, and inclusive public education our students deserve."
Oklahoma Supreme Court's decision invalidates the new standards
The Oklahoma Supreme Court's decision invalidates the new standards, which are replete with several dozen references to the Bible and Christianity while containing few mentions of other faiths; inaccurately present Bible stories as literal, historical facts; inaccurately proclaim the Bible's and Christianity's influence on the founding of America and the country's laws; and require other inaccurate teachings, including presenting disproven contentions about the legitimacy of the 2020 election and conveying as unquestioned truth the controversial theory that the COVID-19 pandemic originated in a Chinese laboratory.
The lawsuit explained that the approval of the standards violated the Oklahoma Open Meeting Act and other procedural requirements because Oklahoma officials gave no notice to the public - or even to members of the State Board of Education themselves - that the version of the standards submitted to the Board for a vote was substantially different from the version that had been publicly released.
The lawsuit also argued that the standards ran afoul of a statutory requirement that Oklahoma's academic standards be accurate and age appropriate. The lawsuit further contended that the new standards violated the Oklahoma Constitution's religious-freedom protections by promoting and favoring one religion over others and over nonreligion in public schools, including to especially impressionable first and second graders.
Attorneys representing the plaintiffs include Alex Luchenitser and Luke Anderson at Americans United and Colleen McCarty and Brent Rowland at Oklahoma Appleseed.
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Americans United is a religious freedom advocacy organization based in Washington, D.C. Founded in 1947, AU educates Americans about the importance of church-state separation in safeguarding religious freedom.
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Original text here: https://www.au.org/the-latest/press/oklahoma-supreme-court-social-studies/
[Category: Political]
National Civil Rights and Economic Justice Groups Oppose CFPB Proposal to Weaken Small Business Lending Transparency Rule
DURHAM, North Carolina, Dec. 17 -- The Center for Responsible Lending issued the following news release on Dec. 16, 2025:
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National Civil Rights and Economic Justice Groups Oppose CFPB Proposal to Weaken Small Business Lending Transparency Rule
Washington, D.C. -- The Center for Responsible Lending (CRL), The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, the League of United Latin American Citizens, Legal Defense Fund and National CAPACD -- National Coalition for Asian Pacific American Community Development submitted a comment letter yesterday to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
The
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DURHAM, North Carolina, Dec. 17 -- The Center for Responsible Lending issued the following news release on Dec. 16, 2025:
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National Civil Rights and Economic Justice Groups Oppose CFPB Proposal to Weaken Small Business Lending Transparency Rule
Washington, D.C. -- The Center for Responsible Lending (CRL), The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, the League of United Latin American Citizens, Legal Defense Fund and National CAPACD -- National Coalition for Asian Pacific American Community Development submitted a comment letter yesterday to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
Theletter opposes the CFPB's Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) that would delay and narrow the 2023 rule implementing Section 1071 of the Dodd-Frank Act, designed to help detect discrimination and identify unmet credit needs in small business lending -- especially among women and those from Asian American and Pacific Islander, Black, Latino/Hispanic, Native American and other historically marginalized communities.
"Our coalition is deeply concerned that the Bureau's proposed revisions would undermine Section 1071's promise of bringing transparency to small-business lending. The 2023 final rule represented one of the most significant civil-rights advancements in business lending since the passage of the Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA)," the groups stated in the comment letter.
The coalition also raised serious concerns about the NPRM's proposals to:
* dramatically increase the reporting threshold from 100 to 1,000 loans annually, which would exempt most lenders from Section 1071 reporting;
* exclude merchant cash advances from coverage; and
* eliminate reporting on pricing variables that are essential to understanding whether small businesses are receiving fair and sustainable credit.
The coalition urged the CFPB to withdraw the proposal and maintain a robust Section 1071 implementation that reflects Congress's clear intent and the public's need for meaningful lending transparency.
"Congress intended broad, functional coverage sufficient to reveal patterns and support enforcement. The NPRM would replace that mandate with a narrower, less informative regime," the coalition wrote. "To improve capital access for minority-owned businesses, which will strengthen the nation's economy, create jobs, and build a robust middle class, the Bureau should not proceed with the addressed changes."
"Congress enacted Section 1071 to bring long-overdue transparency to a small business lending marketplace that has operated in the dark for far too long," said Nadine Chabrier, senior litigation and policy counsel at CRL. "The CFPB should not narrow that mandate when it is contrary to the statutory intent and when doing so undermines consumer protection and civil rights."
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Original text here: https://www.responsiblelending.org/media/national-civil-rights-and-economic-justice-groups-oppose-cfpb-proposal-weaken-small-business
[Category: Financial Services]
NATIONAL ACTION NETWORK: REV. AL SHARPTON CONDEMNS DONALD TRUMP COMMENTS OVER MURDER OF ACCLAIMED DIRECTOR ROB REINER AND WIFE
HARLEM, New York, Dec. 17 -- The National Action Network issued the following news release on Dec. 15, 2025:
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REV. AL SHARPTON CONDEMNS DONALD TRUMP COMMENTS OVER MURDER OF ACCLAIMED DIRECTOR ROB REINER AND WIFE
NEW YORK, NY (December 15, 2025) -- Rev. Al Sharpton, Founder and President of the National Action Network (NAN), today slammed President Trump's comments over the murder of acclaimed director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele, who were found dead in their California home Sunday. Trump has been widely condemned over a social media post over the couple's murder, with many in his own
... Show Full Article
HARLEM, New York, Dec. 17 -- The National Action Network issued the following news release on Dec. 15, 2025:
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REV. AL SHARPTON CONDEMNS DONALD TRUMP COMMENTS OVER MURDER OF ACCLAIMED DIRECTOR ROB REINER AND WIFE
NEW YORK, NY (December 15, 2025) -- Rev. Al Sharpton, Founder and President of the National Action Network (NAN), today slammed President Trump's comments over the murder of acclaimed director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele, who were found dead in their California home Sunday. Trump has been widely condemned over a social media post over the couple's murder, with many in his ownparty shaming his highly politicized remarks over past disagreements he had with Reiner.
"President Trump continues to find a new low, with his remarks today effectively endorsing violence against those who disagree with him. What happened to Rob and Michele Reiner was a true tragedy, one that is still unfolding, and should be a moment in which we respect and share our condolences with his family. It is not a time for the President of the United States or anyone else to make gross, disgusting comments alleging their tragic death by any means had to do with political feelings. Even his staunchest backers are condemning these terrible remarks, which Trump should pull down and apologize for immediately. This was a man who we prayed for last summer after he was nearly assassinated in Pennsylvania -- condemning all forms of political violence. He should find it within himself to find an ounce of the same dignity."
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About National Action Network (NAN)
National Action Network is one of the leading civil rights organizations in the Nation with chapters throughout the entire United States. Founded in 1991 by Reverend Al Sharpton, NAN works within the spirit and tradition of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. to promote a modern civil rights agenda that includes the fight for one standard of justice, decency, and equal opportunities for all people regardless of race, religion, nationality, or gender.
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Original text here: https://nationalactionnetwork.net/newnews/rev-al-sharpton-condemns-donald-trump-comments-over-murder-of-acclaimed-director-rob-reiner-and-wife/
[Category: Political]
Live Frogs Sliced Open for Meat; Local Shop Asked to Stop Selling Them Following New PETA Asia Investigation
NORFOLK, Virginia, Dec. 17 -- People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals issued the following news release on Dec. 16, 2025:
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Live Frogs Sliced Open for Meat; Local Shop Asked to Stop Selling Them Following New PETA Asia Investigation
Paterson, N.J. - New footage from a PETA Asia undercover investigation in Thailand shows frogs destined for U.S. grocery stores were cut open while they were unconscious, and others were sold to markets in Asia where their mutilated bodies are put on display with their exposed hearts still beating. Today, PETA sent a letter to Paterson, New Jersey-based food
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NORFOLK, Virginia, Dec. 17 -- People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals issued the following news release on Dec. 16, 2025:
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Live Frogs Sliced Open for Meat; Local Shop Asked to Stop Selling Them Following New PETA Asia Investigation
Paterson, N.J. - New footage from a PETA Asia undercover investigation in Thailand shows frogs destined for U.S. grocery stores were cut open while they were unconscious, and others were sold to markets in Asia where their mutilated bodies are put on display with their exposed hearts still beating. Today, PETA sent a letter to Paterson, New Jersey-based fooddistributor Gusto Group--whose supplier is implicated in the investigation--calling on them to reject their involvement in the cruel frog meat business.
"Frogs feel pain and terror just like any cat or dog, and their suffering in the frog legs' trade is indefensible," says PETA President Tracy Reiman. "PETA urges Gusto Group to stop supporting an industry in which animals are hacked apart while they're still conscious."
PETA Asia's investigators also documented frogs tightly packed into plastic bags filled with ice and water, climbing on top of each other in a desperate attempt to escape and access what little air was available before suffocating.
PETA--whose motto reads, in part, that "animals are not ours to eat"--points out that Every Animal Is Someone and offers free Empathy Kits for people who need a lesson in kindness and free Vegan Starter Kits for anyone thinking of making the switch. For more information, please visit PETA.org or follow PETA on X, Facebook, or Instagram.
PETA's letter to Kit Sirichartchai follows.
December 16, 2025
Kit Sirichartchai, Vice President, Gusto Foods
Dear Mr. Sirichartchai:
I'm writing on behalf of PETA and our millions of members and supporters worldwide with information that requires your urgent attention.
PETA Asia has obtained disturbing footage from Thailand's frog industry. One of the suppliers implicated in this investigation, JC Trading, confirmed selling frogs to your company. Please watch this video.
Investigators documented widespread abuse and neglect in Thailand's frog legs industry. At one market near Bangkok, at least 100 conscious frogs were sliced open--without sedation or pain relief--and displayed on their backs with their organs exposed out from their abdomens. Some frogs' legs were still moving, and others' necks were rising and falling--a sign that they were still alive and breathing.
This supplier also exports frog legs, meaning that purchasing these products directly supports the abuse of these animals.
Other live frogs were crammed into overcrowded plastic bags filled with water and ice, with little access to air. At the slaughterhouse, workers failed to check whether frogs were unconscious before cutting them up.
Footage from another facility showed frogs were motionless as they were being dumped from a container filled with water and ice.
We urge you to reconsider your relationship with JC Trading and, given the documented cruelty across Asia's frog leg industry, to stop selling frogs altogether.
Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter.
Sincerely,
Tracy Reiman, President
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Original text here: https://www.peta.org/media/news-releases/live-frogs-sliced-open-for-meat-local-shop-asked-to-stop-selling-them-following-new-peta-asia-investigation/
[Category: Animals]
Guidance on Bible Translations for Latter-day Saints
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah, Dec. 17 -- The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints issued the following news release:
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New Guidance on Bible Translations for Latter-day Saints
The handbook notes that some "may benefit from translations that are doctrinally clear and also easier to understand"
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The latest wave of updates to the "General Handbook: Serving in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints" includes an adjustment to a portion about editions and translations of the Holy Bible.
The handbook notes that "generally, members should use a preferred or Church-published edition of
... Show Full Article
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah, Dec. 17 -- The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints issued the following news release:
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New Guidance on Bible Translations for Latter-day Saints
The handbook notes that some "may benefit from translations that are doctrinally clear and also easier to understand"
*
The latest wave of updates to the "General Handbook: Serving in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints" includes an adjustment to a portion about editions and translations of the Holy Bible.
The handbook notes that "generally, members should use a preferred or Church-published edition ofthe Bible in Church classes and meetings." In English, that is the King James Version.
The adjusted handbook section also points to examples of English Bible translations that members can consider as they seek to better understand the teachings of the Hebrew Bible and the New Testament.
Elder Dale G. Renlund of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, who chairs the Church's Scriptures Committee, says the KJV is "beautiful and powerful," but for some it can be difficult to understand.
"We can confidently gain insights from multiple translations [of the Bible], in part because 'we also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God.' Latter-day scripture, including the teachings of living prophets, is a good standard for evaluating any doctrinal discrepancies that might come up in different Bible translations." --Elder Renlund
"The Lord said that He speaks to men and women 'after the manner of their language, that they might come to understanding' (Doctrine and Covenants 1:24)," the Apostle says. "Clearly, God's children are more inclined to accept and follow His teachings when they can understand them."
This is why the Church has shared examples of translations that achieve both readability and doctrinal clarity. The list comprises (but is not limited to) the following translations:
Ages 14 and Above
* English Standard Version (ESV)
* New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)
Ages 11-13
* New International Version (NIV)
* New Living Translation (NLT)
* New King James Version (NKJV)
Ages 8 and Above
* New International Reader's Version (NIrV)
Using multiple translations of the Bible is not new for the Church. The handbook explains that the Church "identifies editions of the Bible that align well with the Lord's doctrine in the Book of Mormon and modern revelation (see Articles of Faith 1:8). A preferred edition of the Bible is then chosen for many languages spoken by Church members."
The Church publishes its own edition of the Bible in some languages. For example, in addition to the KJV in English, the faith publishes the Reina-Valera 2009 in Spanish and the Almeida 2015 in Portuguese.
"There's a misconception that modern translations of the Bible are less than faithful to the ancient sources -- that in modernizing the language, translators have compromised or dumbed down the doctrine," says Elder Jorg Klebingat of the Seventy, a member of the Scriptures Committee. "In many cases, that simply isn't true. Modern translators often have access to manuscripts that were not available to early translators. And most modern translations were produced by faithful scholars and linguists who are utterly convinced that the Bible is the word of God. The simplified language they use supports -- rather than compromises -- understanding of the doctrine of Jesus Christ."
The handbook encourages Church members to "use a preferred or Church-published edition of the Bible in Church classes and meetings. This helps maintain clarity in discussions and consistent understanding of doctrine. Other Bible translations may also be used."
"We can all benefit from translations made by our Christian brothers and sisters to enhance our study and faith as disciples of Christ," says Sister Tamara W. Runia. "Our hope is that everyone will feel welcome and respected, no matter the translation they connect with and choose to use. What matters most is how the scriptures speak to our spirits and draw us closer to God as we read every day."
Many Latter-day Saints have already found power in this practice. Alysia Burdge of Washington state has ADHD, which makes reading comprehension -- especially of the Bible -- difficult for her.
During high school, her grandmother gifted her a Bible in a modern translation that was easier to understand. That simple offering transformed her ability to grasp the meaning of the sacred text.
"Now I feel like I can really understand the word of God," Alysia says, "and it helps me feel the Spirit more deeply. Sometimes I compare different Bible translations. It helps me notice deeper meanings and strengthen my testimony because I understand what the verses are saying."
Marc De La Pena Barredo, an institute teacher in the Philippines, says he has found similar usefulness in exploring different Bible translations. Including them in his study has boosted his confidence as a teacher.
"Comparing Bible translations has significantly enriched the way I prepare and deliver my lessons," he says. "It has empowered me to teach with greater clarity and purpose, helping my students draw closer to the Savior through the scriptures."
Seth Stewart,* a parent of three neurodivergent children in Utah, says reading a more accessible Bible translation has transformed their family's scripture study.
"For individuals with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, or other learning differences," he says, "simpler translations can make the difference between feeling shut out of God's word and truly connecting with it."
For those worried about using a new Bible translation, Elder Renlund says to rely on the robust resource that is modern revelation.
"As Latter-day Saints," the Apostle teaches, "we can confidently gain insights from multiple translations, in part because 'we also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God' (Articles of Faith 1:8). Latter-day scripture, including the teachings of living prophets, is a good standard for evaluating any doctrinal discrepancies that might come up in different Bible translations."
*Name changed to protect privacy
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Original text here: https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/holy-bible-translations-editions-church-of-jesus-christ
[Category: Religion]
Church Handbook Offers Enduring Guidance on Artificial Intelligence
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah, Dec. 17 -- The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints issued the following news release:
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Church Handbook Offers Enduring Guidance on Artificial Intelligence
Members are invited to follow Jesus Christ's example in learning, teaching and building relationships with God and others
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The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has updated its "General Handbook" to include principled guidance on the use of artificial intelligence.
The handbook update, published on December 16, 2025, states that AI "cannot replace the gift of divine inspiration or the individual
... Show Full Article
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah, Dec. 17 -- The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints issued the following news release:
* * *
Church Handbook Offers Enduring Guidance on Artificial Intelligence
Members are invited to follow Jesus Christ's example in learning, teaching and building relationships with God and others
*
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has updated its "General Handbook" to include principled guidance on the use of artificial intelligence.
The handbook update, published on December 16, 2025, states that AI "cannot replace the gift of divine inspiration or the individualwork required to receive it." It also cautions that "interactions with AI cannot substitute for meaningful relationships with God and others."
The text encourages Latter-day Saints to follow the example of Jesus Christ as they learn, teach and develop relationships.
"Jesus Christ taught with power and authority. He sought divine direction from His Father. He relied on the scriptures and prayer. He lived and taught only those things He learned from His Father," the handbook says. It adds that Jesus "had a personal and sacred relationship with His Father. He prayed to His Father, learned from Him, and fulfilled His will. Jesus also had meaningful relationships with others. He listened to and talked with them, understood their needs, and ministered to them."
The handbook also offers four principles to guide Latter-day Saints in the appropriate use of AI in their Church assignments.
* If members use AI, they should do so in positive, helpful, and uplifting ways that uphold the integrity, standards, and teachings of the Church.
* AI cannot replace the individual work and spiritual guidance required to prepare divinely inspired talks, lessons, prayers, or blessings. However, AI can be helpful for research, editing, translation, and similar tasks.
* Leaders should not rely upon AI to provide advice to members on medical, financial, legal, or other sensitive matters. If members need assistance beyond the spiritual guidance provided by Church leaders, competent professionals may be helpful.
* Sensitive information, such as Church records, personal member data, or confidential communications, should not be entered into AI tools that are not provided or managed by the Church.
In addition to this handbook update, Church leaders have taught the same principles about AI on several occasions over the past two years.
For example, in January 2024, Elder David A. Bednar told Brigham Young University (BYU) students that AI can be either good or bad, depending on how it is used. He encouraged them to use AI in ways that will strengthen their moral agency.
"Please do not allow the supposed accuracy, speed, and ease of modern technologies to entice you to avoid or circumvent the righteous work that invites into your life the blessings you will need," he said. "My beloved brothers and sisters, there are no spiritual shortcuts or quick fixes."
In a follow-up to that speech a few months later, Elder Bednar invited Latter-day Saints to do two important things: "humbly and prayerfully (1) identify gospel principles that can guide their use of artificial intelligence and (2) strive sincerely for the companionship of the Holy Ghost and the spiritual gift of revelation."
This is critical because, as Elder Bednar also taught, technological advancements such as AI "are part of the Lord hastening His work in the latter days."
Fellow Apostle Elder Gerrit W. Gong has also given several speeches focused on AI. In a March 2024 address, he introduced guiding principles on the use of AI to Church employees. And speaking at BYU in August 2025, he taught that seeking the wisdom and understanding of God should be our highest priority. Like Elder Bednar, he said AI should support -- not supplant -- our connection with Deity.
"Artificial intelligence is not God and cannot be God," Elder Gong said. "We can consciously choose and intentionally use AI as a tool for good [and] ... we can invite leaders and citizens across industry, research, civic and government bodies, and faith leaders to align rapid AI developments and enduring faith-based principles and moral values."
Elder Gong emphasized that God will bless us with wisdom and understanding as we "intentionally desire and diligently seek wisdom and understanding."
"Artificial intelligence cannot replace revelation or generate truth from God," he said. "We have the responsibility to ensure the Holy Ghost can attest to the truth and authenticity of all we say and share -- in our form and in our content."
At a Vatican City summit of faith, thought and technology leaders on AI ethics in October 2025, Elder Gong reaffirmed the need for a Faith and Ethics AI Evaluation for artificial intelligence models.
"Portraying faith traditions accurately and respectfully is not an imposition of religion on AI. Rather, it is a public necessity," Elder Gong said. "It is especially needed as increasing numbers of individuals ask AI about faith and belief, and as AI becomes a primary source of information about faith traditions."
Latter-day Saints are encouraged to review Church leaders' teachings on artificial intelligence and "General Handbook" section 38.8.47, "Appropriate Use of Artificial Intelligence."
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Original text here: https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/general-handbook-enduring-guidance-artificial-intelligence
[Category: Religion]
