The Reverend Joseph R. Laracy, associate professor and chair of Systematic Theology at Immaculate Conception Seminary School of Theology (ICSST), is spending part of his sabbatical as a visiting scholar at the University of Oxford in England. He is conducting research at Blackfriars Hall, which is part of Oxford.
“I’m very grateful to the Faculty and Rector-Dean of Immaculate Conception Seminary School of Theology as well as the Provost for the opportunity for this sabbatical,” said Laracy. “It is a privilege to be an academic visitor at Blackfriars Hall and the Faculty of Theology at Oxford University,” he added. “Oxford goes back to the eleventh century, and the Dominicans came here within five years of the approval of their order by the Pope in the thirteenth century.”
During his time in Oxford, Laracy has been invited to contribute to international conversations on technology and faith. He delivered a lecture on January 22 titled “Ontological, Anthropological, and Ethical Reflections on Artificial Intelligence in a Thomistic Key.” In his remarks, Laracy described his approach as “a Thomistic retrieval of perennial metaphysical and moral insights for contemporary reflection on artificial intelligence.” He discussed topics including ontological questions about AI’s nature, its relationship to human intelligence and agency, and ethical considerations regarding AI’s design, use, and governance.
Laracy also stated: “The lecture also situates these reflections within the horizon of Catholic Social Teaching…and points to its resources for evaluating the societal implications of emerging AI technologies.”
Prior to arriving in England, Laracy was involved in discussions about AI ethics in Rome and New York. In November 2025, he participated in the Builders AI Forum at Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome. The event brought together various stakeholders such as developers, investors, scholars, and thought leaders who focused on shaping AI technologies with attention to human values and moral responsibility.
Later that month in New York City, Laracy attended the annual Gold Mass and Lecture hosted by the Society of Catholic Scientists. At this event he gave a talk titled “Human Dignity and the Ethics of AI,” addressing how respect for human dignity should guide development and use of new AI technologies.
After arriving in England in January 2026, Laracy took part in The AI Ethics & Faith Event held at Lambeth Palace in London. This gathering included theologians, scholars, and practitioners discussing ethical issues related to technology from multiple faith perspectives.
Laracy will continue these dialogues by speaking before ART-AI at University of Bath in February with a seminar titled “From Human Dignity to Responsible AI: Bridging Ethics, Design, and Governance.” ART-AI is funded by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) as a Centre for Doctoral Training focusing on responsible artificial intelligence.
In addition to academic work during his sabbatical at Oxford, Laracy assists with priestly ministry at Saints Gregory and Augustine Church. He said this community engagement has been rewarding: “the pastor and parishioners have been very welcoming.”
