Governments and Faith Communities: Supporting the Economic Fundamentals of “The Good Life”

As Prepared for Delivery on October 16, 2026

Good morning. Thank you for that generous introduction. 

I am honored and humbled to address this group and its distinguished attendees.  Although I was born and raised in California, my ancestors and many of my extended family have lived in the great Mountain West of the United States, and as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints I share the faith tradition that was nurtured in the mountains and valleys here in Utah.  But my comments today do not represent the Church, nor do they represent the faith-related policies of the Trump Administration.  Rather, I am here to talk about economic policies that will lift people up across the globe.  

Almost all faith traditions believe that God expects us to work.  Work is not only a moral imperative; it is also a blessing to individuals, families, and communities.  At the same time, heaven is not a counting house where God tallies every nickel and dime and measures our worth by our earthly balance sheets.  Our economic activity – individually and in communities – should reflect deeper meaning.

In addition, world religions teach us that God expects people of faith to help the poor and the needy, and not to stand in judgment of them.

These teachings can sometimes seem to be in tension.  But this tension can be resolved.  Governments and religious communities can, in fact, help people meet the material needs of this life while also contributing to their spiritual well-being.  Today, I want to address two overarching questions:

The first question is really a two-parter: (1) what kind of society are we trying to create, and (2) what are the economic policies that can support that society?

The second question is: what can faith communities do to support economic policies that are the most likely to achieve the type of society that will benefit the broadest portion of humanity?