Msgr. Michael Flood was accused of molesting a boy in 1976. Nothing happened at the time. The victim was ignored and a alleged pedophile was freed to feed from his young flock of faithful children. The Catholic church finally took some action in the case. Of course, it was too little too late and they were forced to do so.
The Archdiocese of Philadelphia took its first definitive action to address those allegations Tuesday.
Flood, 71, was among 21 priests suspended this week amid allegations of sexual abuse or other improper behavior with minors. He had been serving as pastor of St. Luke the Evangelist Church in Glenside.
They knew he was a pedophile and they let him work with children for over 30 years. Who does that?
The only way out of this mess is full disclosure. Every priest accused of a sexual transgression should be listed on a national (or global) register. All Catholics should be able to determine if their children are safe at church. Anything less is unacceptable. Transparency and dialog can start the healing process. People have been hurt for too long. Do something Pope. Lead your church out of this mess.
