On Father’s Day, Barack Obama beckoned all the black fathers to take more interest in their children’s lives. He said that they are "missing from too many lives and too many homes," and should actively involve themselves in raising their children.

"They have abandoned their responsibilities, acting like boys instead of men. And the foundations of our families are weaker because of it," said Obama at a largely black church in his hometown. Here he shared his own experience of growing up without a father who had left when he was 2.

This was Obamas’s first address to a church since he broke his ties with Trinity United Church of Christ, where he had worshipped for 20 years of his life. His daughters Sasha and Malia, and his wife Michelle were also present during his speech.

Obama, in his speech, frequently emphasized the importance of God in his life and asked the congregation to pray for him and his family.

Obama has often spoken for the cause of children and importance of parental involvement in their upbringing. This is an issue that greatly emphasizes on his family values credentials.

"Any fool can have a child. That doesn't make you a father," said Obama. "It's the courage to raise a child that makes you a father."