Philadelphia pastor joins president’s HIV/AIDS panel

WASHINGTON (BP) — Herbert Lusk II began his newest role March 16 serving a four-year appointment to George W. Bush’s 20-member Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS.

“The HIV/AIDS epidemic is the greatest social issue of our time. When I think of the enormity of the problem, I am completely humbled by this appointment,” said Lusk, senior pastor of Greater Exodus Baptist Church in Philadelphia who once was known as the “praying tailback” while with the NFL’s Philadelphia Eagles.

Advisory council members, from a range of backgrounds, provide the president advice on addressing the global HIV/AIDS issue, with the secretary of Health and Human Services serving as a liaison.

Lusk began Stand for Africa in 2002, an initiative through which U.S. churches and organizations can address HIV/AIDS problems through “prevention, education, treatment and care in 11 African countries,” according to the program’s website.