Dallin Oaks gives keynote address on religious liberty 

Washington National Cathedral hosted Dallin H. Oaks, President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, on September 16, 2026, the eve of Constitution Day.

A faith leader and renown legal scholar, President Oaks discussed the vital role religious liberty plays in American democracy and called on all citizens to be peacemakers.

“I’m here to speak as part of the National Cathedral’s ongoing effort to find a better way to embody the love of God in public life, offering hope for unity and a moral framework to move forward in a divided world. In my professional work, I have always regarded the United States Constitution as a model for our diverse people to achieve self-government,” he said during his remarks.

“As a practical basis for unity, all of us should accept the reality that we are fellow citizens who need each other. This requires all of us to obey some laws we dislike and to live peacefully with some persons whose values differ from our own. We should make every effort to understand the experiences and concerns of others, especially when they differ from our own,” he continued.

“We should seek fairness for all. This is not easy when we differ on what are fairly judged as fundamental rights in a pluralistic society,” he continued.

He advocated against absolute religious freedom, calling instead for compromise in a diverse society. He spoke of divine inspiration he sees in many principles laid out in the Constitution and a responsibility as Americans to be loyal to the Constitution “and its principles and processes, not to particular officeholders.”

He talked about the history of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, lessons learned through struggles as a religious minority, and the values of current volunteers working in the world through the church.

“The volunteers help everyone, not just fellow believers. Why? Simply because deeper moral needs about safety and family and hope take centerstage. What is important is giving help and getting help to people… Peacemaking involves finding common ground. Everyone can do it.”

President Oaks opened the evening with a keynote address, followed by a panel with Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde, Melody Barnes and Rabbi David Saperstein, moderated by Jeffrey Rosen. The archived stream is available above or on the program’s event page.

This program is part of the Cathedral’s A Better Way initiative.