St. Louis (AP)  -- Barack Obama says the government needs to use religious institutions to help tackle what he calls ``moral problems'' -- like war, poverty, joblessness, and homelessness.

He's told the national meeting of the African Methodist Episcopal Church in St. Louis that if we're not doing everything we can to solve the challenges we face, the conscience of our nation cannot rest. He was given a thunderous reception.

Obama also talked about individual responsibility. He's encouraging parents to help children with homework, and teach boys to respect women and ``realize that responsibility does not end at conception.''

Obama made repeated references to his religious faith, and continuing struggles in the black community. He says blacks are not constrained by the accident of birth, but can make of their lives what they will.