At the Presbyterian Outlook, we use artificial intelligence (AI) as a tool, not a replacement for human judgment, creativity, or accountability. Our mission – to publish thoughtful, faithful, and creative content – guides every decision we make about technology.
Human-first, human-accountable
All content published by the Presbyterian Outlook is human-generated, human-edited and human-reviewed. AI does not make editorial decisions, theological claims, or ethical judgments. Our editors remain fully responsible for everything we publish.
Why we use AI
As a small staff serving a broad community, we use AI to reduce repetitive or administrative tasks such as transcription, summarization, brainstorming, and identifying basic grammar, style, and formatting issues (including AP and Outlook style). These tools help our editors work more efficiently with writers while protecting each writer’s unique voice and perspective.
AI supports the mechanics of editing; human editors remain responsible for judgment, tone, theology, clarity and care. This allows our team to focus more fully on reporting, analysis, relationship-building and discernment: work that only humans can do.
Trust and privacy
We do not train AI on reader submissions, donor communications, or unpublished reporting. We do not input private, sensitive or confidential information into AI tools. Reader trust is foundational to our work.
Environmental responsibility
We acknowledge the environmental costs associated with digital technologies, including AI. Our approach emphasizes limited, intentional use, not automation for its own sake. We take those concerns seriously. We believe responsible discernment, not blanket rejection, is the most faithful ethical response.
Our ethical approach includes:
- Using AI selectively, not excessively or frivolously
- Avoiding unnecessary automation or novelty-driven use
- Viewing AI as a means of reducing human burnout and staff overload rather than expanding endless production cycles
Ongoing discernment
Technology evolves, and so will our practices. We remain committed to ethical reflection and regular review of how our tools serve human dignity, truth-telling, and the common good. We also acknowledge that the environmental costs of AI are still difficult to measure. As clearer data becomes available, we will seek to understand our impact and pursue responsible responses, including potential carbon offsetting.