Jamaica's governor general has called on the Church to become fully involved in solving the country's social problems.

"More churches need to become engaged in educating the next generation of adults, not only in terms of academic studies, but also through the inculcation of moral and social values," Sir Patrick Allen said.

Addressing the 66th Annual National Conference of the Holiness Christian Church Inc at the Sunset Jamaica Grande Resort in Ocho Rios, St Ann, recently, he said focusing on education, family, youth and community development were fundamental to the Church's holistic mission.

Sir Patrick, who headed the island's Seventh-day Adventist churches - the largest Christian denomination in terms of membership - before accepting the governor-generalship last year, said social development was critical to the overall future of Jamaica.

The governor general said that the country would be positively transformed if more Jamaicans experienced the spiritual regeneration that comes from submission to Christ. Sir Patrick also urged church leaders to call the nation to prayer and fasting.