How Can America Heal? Eboo Patel Says Through Pluralism

By Lauren Irwin

February 25, 2026

(Deseret News) – With the backdrop of the Washington National Cathedral’s gothic architecture and the promise the building was intended to be a house of prayer for all faiths, Interfaith America founder Eboo Patel detailed the experience of how religion impacts politics across the world.

Held on the same night as President Donald Trump’s State of the Union, Patel was joined in conversation by the Very Rev. Randolph Marshall Hollerith and reporters Christine Emba and Peter Wehner. They encouraged the crowd to practice pluralism in their everyday lives in order to heal the country.

Pluralism is a system where diversity within a political body is recognized as a benefit for the people and government. Patel was asked by the Rev. Hollerith if Americans only recognize the good pluralism can bring during times of conflict — and if we’re in a time of conflict right now.

Read more at Deseret News.

Washington National Cathedral: An Evening with Eboo Patel on Faith and Democracy

Interfaith America seeks contributions that present a wide range of experiences and perspectives from a diverse set of worldviews on the opportunities and challenges of American pluralism. The opinions expressed herein do not necessarily reflect those of Interfaith America, its board of directors, or its employees.

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