Artificial Intelligence Policy

Vox Dei: Journal of Theology and Pastoral recognizes that Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Generative AI technologies can provide benefits in supporting research and scholarly writing. However, the use of AI must be carried out responsibly and transparently while upholding academic integrity and publication ethics.

Authors are fully responsible for all content of their submitted manuscripts, including the accuracy of data, analysis, interpretation of research findings, citations, and conclusions. The use of AI does not diminish the authors' scholarly responsibility for their published articles.

1. Permitted Use of AI

Authors are permitted to use AI as an assistive tool for:
- Checking grammar, spelling, and language style.
- Improving readability and language editing.
- Preparing preliminary summaries that are subsequently verified by the authors.
- Creating illustrations, diagrams, or visualizations, where appropriate and accompanied by adequate explanation.
- Assisting with programming, code documentation, or debugging during the research process.

2. Prohibited Use of AI

AI must not be used to:
- Fabricate or falsify research data.
- Generate experimental results that were never actually conducted.
- Manipulate images, graphs, or research findings in a misleading manner.
- Generate fabricated references or citations.
- Commit plagiarism or conceal the sources of information.
- Replace the authors' scholarly analysis and decision-making in drawing research conclusions.

3. Disclosure of AI Use

If AI is used substantially in the preparation of a manuscript, authors must disclose its use in the Acknowledgements or Methods section, including the name of the AI tool used and the purpose for which it was used.
Example statement:

“This manuscript utilized ChatGPT (OpenAI) solely for language refinement and grammar improvement. All scientific content, data analysis, interpretation, and conclusions were independently prepared and verified by the authors.”

4. AI and Authorship

Artificial Intelligence (AI) cannot be listed as an author or corresponding author. Authorship is granted only to individuals who meet the criteria for scholarly contribution in accordance with internationally recognized authorship standards.

5. Editorial Evaluation

Editors and reviewers have the right to request clarification regarding the use of AI when deemed necessary. If AI use is found to violate the journal's policies, the Editor may request revisions, reject the manuscript, or take appropriate action in accordance with Vox Dei's publication ethics policies.

Policy Statement

Vox Dei: Journal of Theology and Pastoral supports the responsible use of Artificial Intelligence as a technology that may assist research and scholarly writing, but not as a substitute for the authors' academic responsibility. The entire content of each article remains the full responsibility of the authors, and all use of AI must be conducted transparently, ethically, and in accordance with the principles of scholarly integrity.