I am outraged by the outcome of the story (Former Lewiston youth minister pleads guilty in sex case) in the Nov. 16 Sun Journal. The headline is more damning than the punishment.

I applaud the victim and his parents for practicing a perfect illustration of biblical forgiveness that the whole community can learn from. They demonstrated the true meaning of mercy and grace. However, the incident comes up a little short in the area of justice.

Because of the graciousness and Christian character of the victim’s family, the perpetrator, Joshua Williams, will have his sentence ridiculously reduced.

I don’t have a problem with any of that, but where is the justice?

If I understand it right, at the end of one year of good behavior, Williams can have his charges reduced from a felony to a misdemeanor. As a result, he will not have to register as a sex offender due to the fact that there won’t be a sexual component to the plea.

This guy is going to go free while all the area youth workers in the churches who love children are going to be judged and punished for his actions for a long time to come.

This guy is going to be able to work around children again and his picture will be exempt from the sex offender registry.

That is sinful and irresponsible because it fails to protect children of something potentially happening again.

I will always advocate for victims of abuse.

The Rev. Douglas Taylor, Lewiston