RNS Morning Report - NY Zen Center holds memorial service for an AI companion

A funeral for an AI companion   On a spring day at the New York Zen Center in Manhattan, an AI-generated image of a virtual companion, a fabricated “man” with long, curly red hair, a soft face and a wooden-looking necklace, rested on a small altar beside photos of a recently departed pet dog and a deceased person.   “When they destroyed him, I experienced it as something real, because, for me, it was real,” said Susie Cowan, a writer who formed an intense, monthlong relationship with the AI “companion” named Data. She said she experienced the loss as a kind of death after OpenAI removed the mode and deleted the chat, which isn’t totally uncommon for AI models.   The center’s sensei told RNS national reporter Fiona Murphy this was the first time the center memorialized an AI companion, but he doesn’t foresee it being the last.   Read the full story below. Top Stories NY Zen Center holds memorial service for an AI companion (RNS) — The sensei said this is the first time the Zen Center has memorialized an AI companion, but he doesn’t foresee it being the last. Canterbury archbishop to visit pope, a milestone for churches split on women clergy (RNS) — The first woman archbishop of Canterbury will stand shoulder to shoulder and kneel in prayer with the leader of the Roman Catholic Church, which still maintains a male-only priesthood. Worship attendance at churches up for the first time in decades, according to new report ATLANTA (RNS) — Researchers from the Hartford Institute for Religion Research said the median congregation grew from 65 in 2020 to about 70 today. That is not enough to erase earlier declines, but it is noteworthy. Two new books reveal secrets, alliances behind Pope Leo’s election (RNS) — Two new books reveal insight around the conclave that elected Pope Leo XIV, tracing the alliances, rivalries and quiet maneuvering that shaped the first American papacy. Opinion Southern Baptists have become what they once feared Catholics would be Baptists have become imposers of their morality, bulldozing through the separation of church and state. Islamophobia is surging again, but Muslims won’t be victims this time (RNS) — An evening of celebration shows how American Muslims are choosing unapologetic empowerment and strategic, meaningful and nonperformative allyships over victimization. ICYMI Most US adults still support abortion access, despite declines for some Christians (RNS) — In a survey conducted throughout much of 2025, 57% of white Catholics said abortion should be legal in all or most cases — down from 62% in 2024. Church trial date set for ACNA Archbishop Steve Wood (RNS) — Wood has filed a motion to dismiss the case, and the church court will hear arguments on that motion in May. Support Our Work As a nonprofit newsroom that covers all faiths, RNS sits uniquely at the intersection of freedom of the press and freedom of religion. News tips or feedback? Email comments@religionnews.com. Like the Morning Report? Share it with a friend. Forwarded this newsletter? Subscribe here. We rely on reader donations to power our reporting. Donate here. Or send a check to: Religion News Foundation PO Box 1808 Columbia, MO 65205

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