On behalf of the Synod of Southern California and Hawaii it is a pleasure to recognize and congratulate the Rev. Leon Fanniel for the honor just bestowed on him — an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree from San Francisco Theological Seminary. Anyone who has worked with Leon knows that he is very deserving of this recognition for his tireless work for the church. But this recognition is particularly notable because this is the first honorary degree ever confered by SFTS. No one better than Leon to award it to!
Here is the description from the SFTS press release.
For the first time in its 138-year-old [history], SFTS faculty and trustees awarded an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree to Rev. Leon Fanniel for his outstanding Christian leadership. Recognized as one of the most outstanding African-American leaders in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), Fanniel has shared his wisdom, insight and expertise with the church at all levels for four decades.
Fanniel has served as pastor of St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church in Los Angeles for 21 years. He has also held key leadership positions, such as membership on both the General Assembly Mission Council and the General Assembly Permanent Judicial Commission.
Affectionately known as “the Bishop” among friends and peers, Fanniel has been on the boards of both SFTS and McCormick Seminary and is currently a Senior Trustee of SFTS. As a founding member of the advisory committee and its vice-chair, he was highly instrumental in the establishment of the H. Eugene Farlough Chair in African American Christianity and the raising of its first $1 million.
The Synod is indebted to Leon for his work with and representation of the Synod’s Racial Ethnic Pastoral Leadership Program for many years.
Congratulations Leon and we all thank you for your many, many years of dedicated service. God Bless.
Praying for our Churches
Hanmi: Hope Korean Presbyterian Church, Cerritos
Los Ranchos: La Habra Korean Presbyterian Church, La Habra
Pacific: First Presbyterian Church, San Pedro
Riverside: Calvary Presbyterian Church, Riverside
San Diego: Mira Mesa Presbyterian Church, San Diego
San Fernando: First Presbyterian Church of Granada Hills-Northridge, Northridge
San Gabriel: La Verne Heights Presbyterian Church, La Verne
Santa Barbara: First Presbyterian Church, San Luis Obispo
