LDS Church: Misuse of members’ personal data could cost a person a place in the faith

Think of it as an all-knowing guide, there to provide answers and impart wisdom regarding some of life’s most challenging questions — that is, at least, if you happen to be a lay leader in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

For what appears to be the first time ever, the faith with a history of techno-optimism has released an artificial intelligence search engine of its own, in this case trained on the contents of the playbook for day-to-day operations of the worldwide church.

Members can type in a question on the “Search Assistant” button accompanying the “General Handbook: Serving in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints,” and out comes an answer, ChatGPT-style, along with links to related sections.

Time-strapped bishops aren’t totally off the hook from doing their own homework, however. “Because the assistant is powered by artificial intelligence (AI),” the news release announcing the launch reads, “users should verify responses using the links provided by the assistant.”

Upping the stakes for misuse of personal data

While the most trumpeted, the AI companion isn’t the only new feature found in the latest edition of the online handbook.

The current version also includes a brand-new warning aimed at anyone who knowingly inputs false information in church records or who might be tempted to use members’ personal data for reasons unrelated to their church calling, or volunteer position.

“In serious cases,” it now reads, “the stake president may counsel with the Area Presidency about whether a membership council or other action is necessary.”

Membership councils can result in a person’s name being removed from church records.

If the infraction is grave enough, the church’s governing First Presidency — made up of the faith’s president and his counselors — may, the handbook adds, “direct that the membership record of a person who has misused personal data be annotated” so as to bar him or her from holding future callings that come with “privileged access to personal data.”

BYU-Pathway Worldwide doubles as a missionary tool

Come for the affordable education, stay for the lessons about Jesus Christ and church founder Joseph Smith.

That is the new bargain the Church Educational System strikes with members and nonmembers alike through a new policy requiring students enrolled in its online education platform, Brigham Young University-Pathway Worldwide, to participate in religious instruction provided through its institute program.

According to the BYU-Pathway Worldwide site, nearly 75,000 individuals, the majority from outside the United States, participated in its classes in 2024. Of those, nearly 10,000 fell into the category “friends of the church.”

Regardless of church membership, the new version of the handbook makes it clear: Anyone looking to take advantage of its low-cost degrees and certificates, provided through church-owned BYU-Idaho and Ensign College, must now participate in classes in which the faith’s beliefs are taught.

Handbook updates are common, ranging from bureaucratic tweaks rarely noticed even by devout members to headline-grabbing policy shifts that garner attention beyond chapel walls.

Last August’s revision, for instance, featured new restrictions on the church participation of transgender individuals and added leeway for members with medical conditions or devices that “may make it difficult” to wear garments to decide for themselves when to wear the sacred underclothing.