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 th...