Rev. Leon Finney Jr. Death – Dead | Obituary – Passed Away
Leon Finney Death – Dead: A great loss was made known to InsideEko. As friends and families of the deceased are mourning the passing of their loved and cherished Leon Finney.
It is with great sadness that The Metropolitan Church announces the passing of our Senior Pastor, Rev. Dr. Leon D. Finney, Jr. on September 4, 2020. Pastor Finney served Metropolitan as Pastor for 20 years.
In addition to being a dedicated Pastor, Dr. Finney devoted his professional life to the revitalization of urban communities. He is most identified with The Woodlawn Organization (TWO), a community development initiative. His leadership of TWO and its $190 million in real estate investments has served to motivate many other communities across the country to initiate similar community development programs.
Dr. Finney earned an M.A. in Economics and Urban Community Development from Goddard College; both an M.A. in Theological Studies and a Doctor of Theology degree from McCormick Theological Seminary; and both an M.A. in Public Administration and a Doctor in Public Administration degree from Nova University.
Dr. Finney also founded the Christ Apostolic Church and served as its pastor before merging with Metropolitan. He has taught at the University of Chicago, Lutheran School of Theology, the University of Illinois and Northwestern University, Presbyterian College of Korea and the Theological College of the Bahamas. In 1993, he joined the staff of McCormick Theological Seminary as a professor of African American Leadership Studies and Executive Director of the African American Leadership Partnership (AALP). Finney is also the Chairman and Principal for the Lincoln South Central Real Estate Group, Inc.
Dr. Finney served as vice-chairman of the Chicago Public Housing Authority and chairman of the Monitoring Commission for School Desegregation for Chicago Public Schools. He has also served as a board member for the Chicago Planning Commission, Broadcast Ministers Alliance and Council for a Parliament of the World’s Religions. He has written several publications on economic and social development in our cities, including: Urban Disinvestment: A Counter Strategy, for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Neighborhood Economic Development-Myth or Fact, and TWO Model Cities Plan.
Funeral arrangements are incomplete at this time, once finalized this post will be updated with the complete information.
We ask that you remember the Finney family and the Metropolitan family in your prayers.
Rev. Dr. Leon Finney, Jr. was an icon in the Woodlawn community. From preaching in the pulpit of Metropolitan Apostolic Community Church, Rev. Finney devoted his life to serving others. It goes without question Rev. Finney’s legacy will be long-lasting. I extend my sincere condolences to his family during this difficult time.
As a civil rights leader, Rev. Dr. Leon Finney Jr. worked to make our state a better place. At a time when so many of our great civil rights giants have been called home and when the need for equity and justice is again at the forefront, this loss comes at an especially poignant moment. My heart is with his family, friends and the countless people he touched.
Dr. ( Rev.) Leon Finney Jr. passed away this morning from complications of leukemia. Job well done my brother. I will truly miss my dear friend. Please G-d forgive his sins and transgressions and give him a high place in paradise. My sincere condolences to all who love him
Having heard about this great loss, the family of this individual is passing through pains, mourning the unexpected passing of their beloved.
This departure was confirmed through social media posts made by Twitter users who pour out tributes, and condolences to the family of the deceased.
We are still working on getting more details about the death, as a family statement on the death is yet to be released.