"The Conspiracy: An Innocent Priest," is an important book that tells of the personal nightmare of Msgr. William McCarthy of the Diocese of Paterson, N.J., when he became a victim of false accusation.

After serving his diocese honorably for 40 years, a police detective came to his front door on Feb. 3, 2003, and said, "You have been accused of molesting two little sisters, Nora and Mary, in 1980."

Msgr. McCarthy snapped back, "I certainly did not!" He asked who made the ridiculous charge.

The detective later told Msgr. McCarthy that the girls' family did not accuse him, "but two unrelated women" came to the detective's office and did so.

On the basis of this flimsy testimony, the diocese ordered Msgr. McCarthy to leave his rectory. He was stripped of his priestly powers and publicly shamed before he could defend himself.

Msgr. McCarthy had been the pastor of St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in East Hanover from 1980 to 2003. He learned of the charge nearly three months before his planned retirement.

According to Msgr. McCarthy, the little girls he supposedly touched improperly were only 5 or 6 at the time. He met them only once. At all times, they were in the presence of their mother. He had come to their home as their pastor to explain that no more children could be accepted that year at the parish's overcrowded school. He never once talked to the children, much less touched them.

The chancery office explained that it had to follow the new norms issued governing allegations of molestation of children by clergy. Bishops must also report such accusations to police immediately.

It is right and just to stop the offenders, but the police usually throw out such baseless complaints if there is no evidence.

There can be no room in the priesthood for a priest who is truly guilty of child molestation. However, justice is not served if every single accusation is taken as the Gospel truth. Canon law requires that penalties should not be inflicted until the case is properly adjudicated.

It wasn't until years later, on Oct. 30, 2007, that some semblance of peace returned to Msgr. McCarthy's life. An ecclesiastical tribunal, after examining all the facts, unanimously exonerated him from any wrongdoing.

Msgr. McCarthy, through the goodness of his heart, has forgiven everyone involved. There were many priests and lay people who befriended and supported him, and he speaks glowingly of them in his book. Among them is his bishop, Arthur Serratelli, who treated him with great respect and kindness during his ordeal.

Commenting on Msgr. McCarthy's vindication, Bishop Serratelli said in a statement: "Six years ago, allegations were made against Msgr. William McCarthy. A church tribunal, composed of canon lawyers from outside the diocese, concluded that it was not proven that he was guilty of the charge alleged against him. The Holy See has determined that the case is closed.

"Msgr. McCarthy is a priest in good standing, and is free to exercise his priestly ministry as a retired priest. During this very difficult time in his life, Msgr. McCarthy has been totally cooperative, faithful to his priesthood, and shown a great love for the Church."

I believe that "The Conspiracy" is a must-read for Catholics and non-Catholics alike, for it provides us with some powerful spiritual reading. Msgr. McCarthy talks about the many saints and mystics who inspired him to carry his cross with courage during his own personal "dark night of the soul." It may also be of help to readers personally in their time of need.

"The Conspiracy" is privately published, and can be obtained through Barnes and Noble and can be ordered by clicking here.