President Dallin H. Oaks Constitution Address Highlights Path to Peacemaking

In a historic address delivered at the Washington National Cathedral on the eve of Constitution Day, President Dallin H. Oaks of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints offered a profound reflection on the role of the United States Constitution in modern society. Speaking as part of the cathedral's A Better Way speaker series, President Oaks characterized the founding document not merely as a legal framework, but as a vital mechanism for civic peacemaking in an increasingly polarized nation. This landmark event marked the first time a president of the Church has addressed the national cathedral, underscoring the importance of faith in the public square. For those seeking to understand how our spiritual convictions intersect with our duties as citizens, exploring the TEACHINGS of our leaders provides essential guidance on navigating these complex times. President Oaks, who has spent seven decades studying the Constitution as a scholar, jurist, and religious leader, emphasized that the document is designed to bridge divides. The Constitution compels a divided people to build coalitions to allow them to act together, President Oaks stated. Compels is a strong word, but it is exactly what the Constitution does. This perspective invites us to consider how we might better engage with our neighbors, even those with whom we fundamentally disagree, in a spirit of Faithful Service & Sacrifice. The history of the Church itself serves as a testament to the necessity of this approach. Reflecting on the 19th-century experiences of early Latter-day Saints, who faced severe persecution and expulsion, President Oaks explained that the faith became an advocate for compromise out of necessity. You might say we have become peacemakers and advocates of freedom and unity by necessity, he noted. This historical struggle for survival and religious liberty is a powerful reminder of the PIONEER_MIRACLES that shaped the identity of the Church. A poignant example of this principle in action is the Utah Compromise of 2015. President Oaks highlighted this event as an outstanding example of constitutional peacemaking, where the Church and nondiscrimination advocates—who were previously adversaries—reached out to each other and participated in negotiations to find common ground. This spirit of cooperation is a hallmark of Testimonies (Why I Believe)), as it reflects a commitment to the common good that transcends personal or political interests. The power of such reconciliation is often found in the quiet, persistent work of individuals who seek to follow the Savior's example. Consider the testimony of a Latter-day Saint who found that civic engagement was an extension of their faith. As one member shared, I used to view politics as a battlefield where I had to win. But after praying for guidance on how to be a light in my community, I felt a distinct impression to listen more than I speak. When I started approaching my local council meetings with a desire to understand my neighbors' burdens rather than just defending my own, I saw doors open that had been closed for years. It was a small miracle of the heart, a change in perspective that allowed me to see the humanity in those I once considered enemies. This type of Moral Transformation is exactly what is needed to heal the fractures in our society. President Oaks reminded his audience that religious values are essential to sustaining the Constitution. Only those principles of right and wrong in the hearts of a majority of our diverse population can sustain that Constitution today, he has previously taught. I submit that religious values and our belief in divine inspiration give Latter-day Saints a unique responsibility to uphold and defend the United States Constitution and principles of constitutionalism. As we look to the future, we are encouraged to be active participants in our communities, guided by the Holy Ghost / Guidance and Direction to seek peace and pursue it. By embracing the Constitution as a tool for unity, we can contribute to a more harmonious society, ensuring that the freedoms we cherish are preserved for generations to come.