President Dallin H. Oaks speaks on religious freedom at National Cathedral

President Dallin H. Oaks of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints delivered an address at the Washington National Cathedral regarding religious freedom and the role of the United States Constitution. Speaking on the eve of Constitution Day, Oaks described the Constitution as a model for diverse populations to achieve self-government and as a tool that compels divided people to build coalitions.

Oaks, a former law clerk to Chief Justice Earl Warren and a former Utah Supreme Court justice, reflected on the history of the Church as a religious minority. He noted the expulsion of early members from Missouri in the 1830s and their subsequent migration, describing the pioneers as refugees. He stated that these experiences necessitated becoming peacemakers and advocates for unity by learning to forge compromises that preserve religious practices while living at peace with those of differing faiths.

The event, titled ‘Faith, Freedom and the Common Good,’ was part of the cathedral’s ‘A Better Way’ series, which aims to encourage Americans to find common ground during polarized times.