VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — Bishop Knestout from the Catholic Diocese of Richmond announced Thursday a new policy to no longer name buildings or institutions after an individual bishop, pastor, founder or individual.
That means there is a name change needed for the Bishop Sullivan Catholic High School in Virginia Beach, which will go back to its previous name of Catholic High School.
The policy goes into effect today, June 27, 2019, but the school has a year to implement the name change.
“Overcoming the tragedy of abuse is not just about holding accountable those who have committed abuses, it is also about seriously examining the role and complex legacies of individuals who should have done more to address the crisis in real time,” said Bishop Knestout. “The continued honorific recognition of those individuals provides a barrier to healing for our survivors, and we want survivors to know that we welcome and support them in our diocese.”
Currently, Bishop Sullivan Catholic High School is the only location at this time that requires a name change.
The new policy doesn't affect previously named rooms or wings in existing diocesan buildings, institutions, parishes or other schools within the diocese. The policy change also doesn't apply to plaques or signs recognizing donors or for historical figures who held an office within a diocesan institution.
Bishop Knestout from the Catholic Diocese of Richmond released this letter on the name change policy:
On Thursday, the Bishop also announced six new names were added to the list of dozens of clergy that have a credible and substantiated claim of sexual abuse against a minor.