Key facts
- Erin Maus, a Unitarian Universalist, received a religious exemption from using AI in her software-engineering job.
- Maus cited environmental and ethical objections to AI that conflict with her religious beliefs.
- Pope Leo XIV recently issued a letter questioning AI's impact on human dignity and employment.
- Some interpret the Pope's letter as grounds for religious objections to AI in the workplace.
- Federal law requires employers to consider faith-based requests for religious accommodations.
- Workers filed over 3,600 religion-based discrimination charges with the EEOC in fiscal 2024, a 70% increase since 2021.
Erin Maus, a Unitarian Universalist software engineer, has obtained a religious exemption from using AI in her role, citing ethical and environmental objections aligned with her faith. She consulted an employment lawyer and her minister to support her request, which was granted in mid-May. This development occurs as AI usage becomes increasingly mandated in workplaces and follows Pope Leo XIV's recent encyclical questioning AI's potential to undermine human dignity and displace workers. Legal experts suggest the Pope's remarks could embolden more employees to seek similar faith-based exemptions, a stance protected by federal law. Employers face potential legal challenges if they dismiss such requests without serious consideration, especially after a Supreme Court ruling raised the bar for denying religious accommodations. While some interpret the Pope's letter as a direct justification for opting out of AI, others, like Dr. Michael Naughton, suggest the pontiff's intent was more about questioning AI's impact on human agency rather than granting a right to refuse its use. A recent survey indicates nearly a third of workers have negative feelings towards AI, though experts warn that opting out could hinder career progression.