A software engineer in the United States has reportedly secured a religious exemption from using artificial intelligence at her workplace, raising fresh questions about ethics, faith and the growing role of AI in the modern workforce.
According to a report by Business Insider, 34-year-old Erin Maus, a member of the Unitarian Universalist faith, successfully convinced her employer—a large technology and entertainment company—to excuse her from using AI tools because they conflicted with her religious beliefs.
Maus, who lives in North Carolina, said she began exploring the idea in April after becoming increasingly concerned about the ethical and environmental implications of artificial intelligence.
To strengthen her case, she sought advice from an employment lawyer and consulted with a local minister. By the middle of May, the company had reportedly granted her request, allowing her to continue her work without relying on AI systems.
Although the Unitarian Universalist Association said it had no direct involvement in the case, the organization confirmed that it is preparing to release an official policy on artificial intelligence in the coming weeks.
Suzanne Morse, a spokesperson for the association, said the faith community supports scientific progress but believes technological advancements should always be guided by ethical principles.
She noted that Unitarian Universalists are committed to values such as pluralism, interdependence and transformation, with a strong emphasis on human dignity and compassion.
According to her, technological developments should serve humanity rather than undermine people’s inherent worth.
The case comes at a time when debates over artificial intelligence are intensifying around the world.
Last month, Pope Leo XIV issued a strong warning about the rapid expansion of AI in his first encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas. While acknowledging that AI could be a valuable tool, the pontiff cautioned that unchecked technological progress could threaten human dignity and create new forms of exploitation.
It is not enough to celebrate innovation if it is built on systems of exploitation that remain hidden,” the Pope warned.
He also called for stronger legal frameworks to regulate the use of artificial intelligence and urged governments to play a more active role in slowing the pace of technological development when necessary.
Pope Leo further expressed concern about AI’s environmental impact, its potential use in warfare, and the increasing concentration of wealth and power in the hands of a few individuals and corporations.
According to him, society must learn from historical injustices and apply those lessons to ensure that emerging technologies are developed responsibly.
The unusual case involving Maus has sparked broader discussions about whether workers should have the right to decline the use of AI based on ethical or religious grounds, especially as companies increasingly integrate the technology into everyday operations.
As artificial intelligence becomes more deeply embedded in workplaces worldwide, experts say similar disputes could become more common, forcing businesses and lawmakers to confront difficult questions about faith, ethics, environmental concerns and the limits of technological adoption.
