AI POLICY

Manthano: Journal of Christian Education recognises the growing use of artificial intelligence (AI) and AI-assisted technologies in academic research and writing. The journal has established the following policy to ensure transparency, accountability, and the integrity of all published work.

Use of AI in Manuscript Preparation

Authors may use AI-assisted tools, such as large language models and AI writing assistants, to support tasks such as language editing, grammar checking, paraphrasing, and structural organisation of the manuscript. However, the use of such tools must be disclosed transparently in the Acknowledgements section of the manuscript. Authors must name the specific tool used, state the purpose for which it was used, and confirm that all content has been reviewed, verified, and takes full responsibility by the authors.

Use of AI in Research

Where AI tools have been used in the conduct of the research itself, including data collection, data analysis, coding, image generation, or the creation of research artefacts, this must also be disclosed in the Acknowledgements section. Authors must describe the role of the tool in the research process and confirm that all AI-generated outputs have been independently verified for accuracy and integrity by the authors.

AI Tools May Not Be Listed as Authors

AI tools and large language models do not meet the criteria for authorship established by Manthano and may not be listed as authors or co-authors of any submitted manuscript. Authorship requires the capacity for accountability, informed consent, and intellectual responsibility for the work, which AI tools cannot fulfil. Any attempt to list an AI tool as an author will result in the manuscript being returned without review.

Author Responsibility

The use of AI tools does not diminish or transfer the authors' full responsibility for the accuracy, originality, and integrity of the submitted work. Authors remain accountable for all content in the manuscript, including any content that was drafted, revised, or otherwise assisted by an AI tool. The editorial office reserves the right to request clarification regarding the use of AI tools at any stage of the review or publication process.

Undisclosed Use

Failure to disclose the use of AI tools in manuscript preparation or research constitutes a breach of the journal's publication ethics policy and will be treated in accordance with the guidelines of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE).