Jessa Duggar’s father-in-law says there’s nothing wrong with the way the Duggar family handled the multiple acts of molestation committed by their eldest son Josh, saying Monday that “Josh’s parents acted in a way that godly parents should.”

In a lengthy blog post, Michael Seewald defended Josh and his parents, Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar, saying they should “be commended” for the way they dealt with the news that their son had molested several young girls, including at least four of his sisters. Seewald—whose daughter-in-law, Jessa, may have been one of Josh’s victims—writes:

I am not going to talk much about the criminal aspect of Josh’s actions or if the authorities acted appropriately with the knowledge of what happened. That ball rests in their court. As it stands criminal charges were not brought against Josh but I believe that Josh’s parents acted in a way that godly parents should. They did not turn a blind eye, but earnestly sought help from the church, counselors, and eventually the police. Maybe they didn’t do it in a way that pleases everyone, but they acted decisively to confront the sin, to call a penitent son back from his errors, and to seek to aid the hurting victims. In the end Josh sought forgiveness from those he wronged, repented of his sins, and came to trust Christ as his Savior. He has to the present day attested to the reality of his repentance and faith by living above reproach. In their efforts to salvage the wreckage that these transgressions brought, and bring healing to all involved, Jim Bob and Michelle are to be commended.

Jim Bob and Michelle are to be commended.


Image via AP. Contact the author at gabrielle@gawker.com.