President Dallin Oaks Advocates for Peacemaking and Constitutional Unity at Washington National Cathedral

President Dallin Oaks, a senior leader of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, delivered a significant address on the relationship between religious faith and American democracy at the Washington National Cathedral on September 16, 2026. The event was part of the cathedral's ongoing series titled A Better Way, which seeks to encourage Americans to find common ground during times of social and political division. President Oaks, who has spent seven decades studying the Constitution as a scholar and jurist, focused his remarks on the necessity of building coalitions to achieve national unity. He argued that the Constitution compels a divided people to work together, placing the concept of peacemaking at the heart of the democratic process. This process is essential for achieving freedom, fairness, and stability for all citizens, according to the speaker. President Oaks noted that effective citizenship requires individuals to obey laws they may personally dislike and to live peacefully alongside those with differing values. He urged the audience to make every effort to understand the experiences and concerns of others, especially when those perspectives differ from their own. The address highlighted that deeper moral needs, such as safety, family, and hope, should take center stage in public life. He emphasized that when volunteers provide service to those in distress, they do not ask for the recipient's beliefs, nor do they limit their help to fellow believers. This approach to service, he suggested, is a practical way to heal troubled relationships and reduce human suffering. By focusing on people-to-people connections, individuals can promote understanding and bridge gaps in an increasingly polarized society. The event served as a platform for discussing how religious institutions can contribute to the common good while respecting the diverse nature of the American public. Organizers of the series hope that such dialogues will inspire citizens to move forward together despite their differences. The discussion at the cathedral underscored the ongoing role of faith-based organizations in fostering civic engagement and promoting a culture of mutual respect. Future sessions in the series are expected to continue exploring these themes of unity and democratic participation.