Pushpay Shares Key Takeaways for Catholic Parishes From the 2026 Builders AI Forum

Pushpay joins Catholic leaders, ethicists and technologists in Rome to examine how AI can ethically serve parish ministry

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo., Nov. 10, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Pushpay^®, a leading provider of payments and engagement solutions for faith-based organizations, today shared key takeaways for Catholic parishes from the 2026 Builders AI Forum (BAIF), held Nov. 5-6 in Rome. The takeaways arrive as most parishes lack AI guidance. In Pushpay’s 2026 State of Church Technology Report, produced in partnership with Barna Group, 98.5% of Catholic parish leaders surveyed said their parish has no AI use policy, while 74.6% said one is important.

Held at the Pontifical Gregorian University's Collegium Maximum, the forum convened global technologists, Church leaders and ethicists to examine how artificial intelligence can responsibly serve the Church’s mission, safeguard human dignity and support faith communities worldwide. Gerardo Butalid, diocesan partnerships, and Sara Anderson, senior director of product, represented Pushpay at the invitation of Longbeard, creator of Magisterium AI, which organizes the nonprofit forum with the university.

“We came to Rome to listen and learn alongside Catholic leaders,” said Kenny Wyatt, CEO of Pushpay. “As AI evolves, we are fully committed to serving the Church by building technology solutions with intention and theological care. We believe technology should deepen community connections, never replace the heart of ministry.”

“Being in Rome for the Builders AI Forum affirmed that Catholic leaders are eager for innovation, but they need tools rooted in pastoral authenticity and theological integrity,” said Butalid. “Technology is a tool, not the mission itself. When AI handles heavy administrative tasks, it creates space for parish staff to focus on what only humans can do, including building relationships, encountering one another and serving their communities.”

Pushpay outlined key takeaways from the forum for Catholic parishes:

• Artificial intelligence must never replace authentic human connection. Tools should reduce administrative burdens so staff and clergy have more time to focus on pastoral presence and community care.
• Ethical discernment must guide adoption. Parishes and developers must prioritize human dignity, data privacy and safety rather than adopting tools simply because the capability exists.
• The Church must actively help shape emerging technology. Catholic leaders have an essential opportunity and responsibility to guide ethical standards rather than passively react to innovation.
• Responsible frameworks require collaboration among Church leaders, theologians, ethicists and technologists, avoiding isolated development in silos.

Through its ParishStaq^® platform, Pushpay has introduced AI-powered capabilities that help parish staff turn information into meaningful ministry action. AI Profile Summaries and AI Family Profile Summaries are first-to-market innovations that bring together giving history, ministry involvement and engagement activity to give parish leaders a more complete picture of the people they serve. In keeping with the forum’s emphasis on data privacy, role-based permissions control who sees what, so sensitive information stays with the staff who need it.

Catholic parishes and dioceses can explore Pushpay’s AI resources for parish ministry.

About Pushpay
Pushpay empowers mission-based organizations to engage their communities. We exist to bring people together and help people be known. Through our innovative suite of products, we cultivate generosity by streamlining donation processes, enhancing communication, and strengthening connections. Whether managing donations, organizing events, or connecting with community members, Pushpay’s integrated tools enable ministry leaders to focus on what matters most – growing their ministry and deepening engagement. For more information, visit www.pushpay.com.

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