MTAConf 2024 takes place today, April 13 2024. Watch it live here.

Earlier this month, Elder Gong of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints issued guiding principles for the appropriate use of artificial intelligence that align with gospel teachings. These principles emphasize maintaining spiritual connection, transparency, privacy, security, and accountability when utilizing AI.

The Association welcomes the responsible development and ethical application of AI, which can be seen as an effort to expand human intelligence and agency—key aspects of our divine potential and eternal progression. As we extend our faculties through AI, we are following the injunction to continue seeking light, truth, and intelligence, which the scriptures declare is the “glory of God.” (D&C 93:36)

Provo, UT – The Association is proud to announce its highly anticipated annual conference, MTAConf 2024, slated for April 13th at the Marriott Hotel and Convention Center in Provo, Utah. Themed “The Glory of God Is Intelligence,” the conference is poised to delve deep into the transformative impact of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning on society, ethics, and the future of humanity.

Wayfare Magazine’s latest online issue features contributions from various LDS thinkers on artificial intelligence, including an essay by MTA President Carl Youngblood, “Algorithmic Advent.” Carl explores the existential risks humanity faces during the emergence of artificial general intelligence (AGI), and shares several relevant insights from Mormon theology. In addition to this groundbreaking article, Carl recently participated in a panel discussion at Writ and Vision bookstore that was also transcribed for Wayfare. Be sure to check out the posts and add your comments to the discussion.

In response to the resignation of Roselle Stevenson, the MTA Board has opted to wait until next year's annual election to fill the recent vacancy on the board. Rather than holding a by-election, we believe waiting until the annual election will give potential candidates ample time to prepare, connect with the community, and express their visions for the future of the Association. This ensures that our board members are selected based on a thorough understanding of their goals and alignment with our mission. We believe that this approach will contribute to a board that is well-prepared, engaged, and equipped to guide the MTA into the exciting possibilities that lie ahead.

As we move forward with this decision, we invite all of our members to continue participating in the conversations, discussions, and initiatives that define the MTA. Your input is invaluable, and we are grateful for your ongoing dedication to our shared mission. Change is not just something we adapt to; it is something we actively shape. Thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to the vibrant discussions and positive changes that lie ahead.

Warm regards,

Carl Youngblood
President
MTA Board of Directors

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Dear members and friends of the Mormon Transhumanist Association:

We hope this message finds you in good health and high spirits. Today, we must address a development that we believe is important to share transparently. One of our Board members, Roselle Stevenson, has been facing a challenging situation involving legal matters.

It is with sadness that we announce Roselle's resignation from the Board of the Mormon Transhumanist Association. Roselle has been an invaluable part of our Association, contributing her time and energy to move our shared mission forward. However, we have been informed that Roselle is currently facing felony charges that are unrelated to her involvement with the Association.

We want to underscore that the Mormon Transhumanist Association is not in a position to validate or pass judgment on the legal circumstances at hand. We uphold the fundamental principle of “innocent until proven guilty,” and we trust the legal system to address these allegations with fairness and impartiality.

While Roselle maintains her innocence, considering the situation and to ensure that the focus of the Association remains unwaveringly on its mission and the vision we serve, she has tendered her resignation from the Board. This decision, though difficult, reflects her desire to address these matters independently without casting any shadow on the work of the Association.

We are pleased to announce the launch of our new website, a unified resource for all content and events. Based on beautiful animated artwork from Canopy Design, the site conveys hope for a positive future in which humanity employs its creative powers in harmony with nature. Our inspiring call to action is: What will you create? It invites visitors to consider their latent capacity as children of God to build a better world together.

The Annual director elections are fast approaching. Each year in the month of April three positions on the Board are up for vote. To be considered as a candidate or to vote for the candidates, your voting membership dues need to be current. In addition to voting rights, your dues grant free admission to Association conferences. We welcome the opportunity to have more participants in this process and more eligible Board candidates. Become a voting member today. The nomination phase of the voting process will begin April 1, 2023.

The Mormon Transhumanist Association announces the results of recent director elections. The following individuals received the three greatest number of votes and will become the new directors (listed in alphabetical order by first name, not by amount of votes received):

• Connie Packer
• Roselle Stevenson
• Spencer Cannon

It is anticipated that all three will transition into their new term starting May 1, 2022.

We wish to congratulate the new directors and look forward to their service. We also extend our sincere thanks to the other nominees for their continued support and willingness to serve.

MTAConf 2022 website now live.

Philosophers and political scientists have long debated the challenge of balanced and sustainable governance. The problem of collective action or preference coordination has kept power sharing limited. For most of recorded history, humanity has been compelled to choose between anarchy and tyranny, with power usually concentrated within a relatively small group led by a single dictator.