David B. Thompson

David Bernard Thompson (May 29, 1923 − November 24, 2013) was an American Catholic prelate who served as bishop of Charleston in South Carolina from 1990 to 1999.

Biography Early life and education Thompson was born on May 29, 1923, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. His twin brother, Edward Thompson, became a priest also. He attended West Philadelphia Catholic High School for Boys in Philadelphia. After graduating in 1941, Thompson entered St. Charles Borromeo Seminary in Wynnewood, Pennsylvania, to prepare for the priesthood. He finished at St. Charles with a Bachelor of Arts degree and a Master of Arts degree in history.

Priesthood

Thompson was ordained to the priesthood for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia on May 27, 1950, by Bishop Joseph McCormick. That same year, he moved to Washington D.C. to study at the Catholic University of America (CUA). He received a Licentiate of Canon Law from the CUA School of Canon Law.

When the Vatican erected the Diocese of Allentown in 1961, Thompson was incardinated, or transferred, to the new diocese. He was named as the first chancellor of Allentown. The Vatican in 1963 elevated Thompson to the rank of domestic prelate and in 1966 Bishop Joseph McShea appointed him as vicar general.

Coadjutor Bishop and Bishop of Charleston On April 22, 1989, Thompson was appointed coadjutor bishop of Charleston by Pope John Paul II. it was the first diocesan synod held there since 1958.

In 2024, Thompson, who served as bishop of Charleston from February 1990 to July 1999, was named in a lawsuit as someone who allegedly covered up sexual abuse committed by Reverend Robert Kelly. He had served as a pastor at St. Andrew Parish in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, from 1990 to 1994.

Awards

Tree of Life award from the Jewish National Fund Order of the Palmetto award from the State of South Carolina