The Utah Compromise Shows How Negotiation Can Protect Competing Convictions
Journalist Jonathan Rauch argues that religious pluralism depends not on setting aside deep disagreements but on negotiating ways to live with them. He points to the Utah agreement between the Latter-day Saint Church, Equality Utah and conservative lawmakers as an example: it paired protections for LGBT people with religious exemptions, a deal Rauch says created room for both sides without requiring either to abandon core commitments. Moderator Eboo Patel and conflict specialist Amanda Ripley extend the discussion to the institutions and practices that can make difficult engagement possible, while recognizing that an invitation to talk does not obligate anyone to accept it.
The Aspen Institute·Sep 29, 2026·19 min read