President Dallin H. Oaks: Constitution Encourages Peacemaking and Safeguards Religious Freedom

# What happened President Dallin H. Oaks spoke at the Washington National Cathedral on September 16, 2026, the day before Constitution Day. The event, titled "Faith, Freedom and the Common Good," was part of the cathedral's "A Better Way" series, which seeks to foster civic bridge-building during polarized times. This was the first time a President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints addressed the cathedral.

# Main argument Oaks argued the Constitution does more than set rules for government: its processes compel competing parties to negotiate, listen, and form coalitions that produce workable, stable outcomes. He drew on seven decades of experience as a legal scholar, judge, and church leader to make a practical case for using constitutional procedures to reduce social conflict while protecting religious freedom.

# Concrete example: the Utah Compromise Oaks pointed to the 2015 Utah Compromise as a real-world example. In that case, religious leaders and nondiscrimination advocates negotiated legislation that protected both religious liberties and LGBTQ+ rights. Neither side got everything it wanted, but both obtained concrete protections through compromise and mutual concession. Oaks used that outcome to show how constitutional give-and-take can produce protections across competing interests.

# Everyday peacemaking Beyond courts and legislatures, Oaks stressed peacemaking in daily life. He described acts such as disaster relief work, where volunteers serve communities without regard to political or religious differences, and where common human needs take priority over disagreement. He said small acts of service and compassion are practical ways to reduce prejudice and build trust.

# Moral framing and civic responsibility Oaks said his aim in speaking was to offer a moral framework and a hopeful vision for public life, showing how faith can motivate practical solutions. He emphasized that religious belief should reinforce commitment to lawful processes. He made a pointed comment that loyalty must be to the Constitution and its procedures rather than to specific officeholders.

# Closing message Oaks closed by urging listeners to recognize others as children of God. He positioned that attitude as a tool for overcoming bias and for fostering the willingness to seek common ground, even when it feels difficult.

# Why this matters The address brings together legal experience and religious leadership to make a practical case for compromise and civic order. It models how a religious voice can advocate for both religious liberty and civil protections while encouraging everyday acts that reduce division.

# Takeaway for readers Use constitutional processes and ordinary acts of service together: pursue negotiated, lawful solutions at the policy level, and practice everyday respect and care in communities to make those solutions sustainable.