President Dallin H. Oaks addressed the Washington National Cathedral on Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2026, emphasizing how the United States Constitution provides a foundation for peacemaking and unity. Speaking at the "Faith, Freedom and the Common Good" event, Oaks argued that the Constitution's divinely inspired principles encourage citizens to navigate differences peacefully rather than through litigation.
Constitutional Principles and Peacemaking
The event, part of the cathedral's "A Better Way" series, was organized in partnership with the Wheatley Institute at Brigham Young University. President Oaks, who previously served as a justice on the Utah Supreme Court and as a law professor at the University of Chicago, told the audience that his remarks were not intended to support any specific political party or pressure group. Instead, he stated he was speaking for the Constitution, which he has studied for 70 years.
During his address, Oaks noted that the Constitution was created by individuals of diverse nationalities and beliefs, a design that compels a divided people to build coalitions for the common good. He suggested that resolving conflicts through legislation is less contentious than resolving them through the courts, citing the 2015 Utah Compromise as an example of mediation and compromise between The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and LGBTQ+ advocacy groups.
Navigating Social Division
President Oaks also reflected on the historical challenges faced by early members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints following their expulsion from Missouri and subsequent forced settlement in the West. He stated that the community became advocates of freedom and unity out of necessity.
In his address, Oaks urged attendees to make efforts to understand the experiences and concerns of others, even when those perspectives differ from their own. He emphasized that while people should resolve differences without compromising core values, they must avoid the pitfalls of contention.
Interfaith Panel Discussion
The program featured a panel discussion with religious and political leaders following the keynote address. Participants included Melody Barnes, executive director of the Karsh Institute of Democracy at the University of Virginia; the Rt. Rev. Mariann Edgar Budde, bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington; and Rabbi David Saperstein, former U.S. ambassador-at-large for religious freedom. The discussion was moderated by Jeffrey Rosen, CEO emeritus of the National Constitution Center.
Bishop Budde remarked that people have become accustomed to viewing those with whom they disagree critically, but noted that shared values within religious contexts can help ease such friction. She suggested that treating others with dignity requires a level of curiosity and openness.
The Role of Individual Conduct
Ryan Jensen, editor of Church News, noted that the principles of peacemaking discussed by Oaks should be applied to daily life rather than just large-scale political discourse. Jensen suggested that the ability to resolve challenges at home with family members is a prerequisite for resolving large-scale societal conflicts.
Utah House of Representatives member Ryan Wilcox attended the program and stated that the Constitution requires citizens to engage with one another to forge common ground. Wilcox noted that the institutional design of the Constitution allows for unity through action rather than through strict uniformity.
Event Details
The Washington National Cathedral, described as an intersection between the sacred and the civic, hosted the event on the eve of Constitution Day. The program included musical performances, such as a violin rendition of "Amazing Grace" by Jenny Oaks Baker, the daughter of President Oaks.
Background on Address
The address followed earlier announcements from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints regarding President Oaks' intention to speak on religious liberty and the relationship between faith and American democracy.
Notable Attendees
The event was attended by several Utah officials, including Governor Spencer Cox, Senator Mike Lee, and Senator John Curtis, as well as Representative Ryan Wilcox and Riverton Councilman Andy Pierucci.
