Dallin H. Oaks, President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, addressed the nation on religious liberty Wednesday from the Washington National Cathedral. His remarks, titled “Faith, Freedom and the Common Good,” were delivered as part of the cathedral’s “A Better Way” initiative, which seeks to foster dialogue during a period of deep political division.
The event was co-sponsored by the Wheatley Institute at Brigham Young University. Oaks drew on seven decades of experience analyzing the U.S. Constitution in his roles as a scholar, jurist, and religious leader. His legal career includes service as a law clerk for former Chief Justice Earl Warren and a tenure on the Utah Supreme Court.
Oaks framed the founding document as an essential mechanism for uniting fractured communities. He argued that forming political alliances does not demand abandoning fundamental beliefs. “The Constitution compels a divided people to build coalitions to allow them to act together,” Oaks said.
He urged Americans to treat disagreements as chances to understand their neighbors rather than adversaries. To illustrate this point, Oaks highlighted the global disaster relief efforts conducted by tens of thousands of Latter-day Saints as a working example of conflict resolution.
“All of us should accept the reality that we are fellow citizens who need each other,” Oaks said.
Idaho Communities Mark Anniversary
Constitution Day falls on Sept. 17, commemorating the signing of the U.S. Constitution in 1787. While national leaders spoke in Washington, local communities across Idaho organized their own observances.
In Idaho Falls and Ammon, residents gathered for a display featuring World War II-era aircraft. The flyover was scheduled for approximately 1:45 p.m. Organizers asked attendees to ring bells, honk horns, and cheer at 2 p.m. to honor the occasion.