Richmond, Va., Jun 28, 2019 / 13:44 pm
In the wake of recent sexual abuse scandals throughout the U.S., the Diocese of Richmond has announced that it will no longer name buildings and institutions after clergymen and religious founders.
The new policy went into effect on Thursday, as six names were added to the diocese's list of clergy with credible sexual abuse accusations against them. The diocese said the additional names reflect new information recently brought forward.
"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 Barry Knestout of Richmond.
"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," he said in a June 27 statement form the Diocese of Richmond.