Faith-Based Groups Urged to Step UP Their Role in Advancing Behavioural Change

Kingston, Jamaica, February 1, 2025 – Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, is calling on faith-based groups across the nation to step up their role in advancing behavioural change within communities.

“We observe in the society an increase in anti-social behaviour, which, in itself, is a threat to our liberty. As I said, freedom doesn’t mean that you can do anything you want, and the church has a moral duty, higher than all other duties, to assist in engendering behaviour that is prosocial, behaviour that promotes the continued freedom, development and prosperity of our society,” Dr. Holness said.

“So, I use this opportunity to appeal to the church; continue to do the work that you have been doing but to escalate your efforts, because we need you right now to be more active, especially in promoting and upholding values of care, respect, discipline and a love for knowledge. We need the church right now,” he added.

The Prime Minister was speaking at the Jamaica Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists (SDA) Religious Liberty Summit held on Thursday (January 30) at the Jamaica Conference Centre in downtown Kingston.

Dr. Holness said by embedding these values in the hearts and minds of Jamaicans, “you can help to create a culture that is more caring, that is more ethical, integrous, prosocial and pro-growth.”

Meanwhile, the Prime Minister said it is hoped that the summit will be a source of inspiration and renewal for all who attend.

“May it strengthen and resolve our efforts to foster unity and respect, to protect the sacred rite of religious liberty, and to affirm a Jamaica that is truly ‘Out of Many One People’,” Dr. Holness said.

The summit was held to foster dialogue and understanding among different religious groups in Jamaica, raise awareness about the significance of religious liberty as a fundamental human right, and encourage respect for religious diversity in the workplace and educational institutions.

CONTACT: LATONYA LINTON

Release: JIS

Photo Caption: Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, addresses the Jamaica Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists (SDA) Religious Liberty Summit, held on Thursday (January 30) at the Jamaica Conference Centre in downtown Kingston.

Michael Sloley Photos