Read Josh Duggar's Full Resignation Letter to the Family Research Council

Amid sexual abuse reports from his teenage years, the eldest of the Duggar children resigned his post

Photo: Danny Johnston/AP

Following reports that surfaced alleging Josh Duggar was accused of child molestation as a teen, he resigned his position at the Family Research Council, a Christian lobbying organization based in Washington, D.C.

After receiving his resignation Thursday, the FRC released this statement: “Today Josh Duggar made the decision to resign his position as a result of previously unknown information becoming public concerning events that occurred during his teenage years. Josh believes that the situation will make it difficult for him to be effective in his current work. We believe this is the best decision for Josh and his family at this time. We will be praying for everyone involved.”

RELATED VIDEO: Josh Duggar Speaks Out About Molestation Reports

Josh, 27, along with his wife, Anna, 26, and parents Jim Bob, 49, and Michelle, 48, all issued exclusive statements to PEOPLE on the allegations.

In his resignation letter, obtained by PEOPLE, Josh wrote:

I deeply regret that recent media reports about my long ago past has brought negative attention to FRC Action and its work to preserve and advance the interests of family, faith, and freedom in the political arena.

FRC Action’s mission to fortify the traditional foundations of civil society is more important now than ever before, and I’m heartbroken that any attention has been diverted from these noble causes to my wrong actions as a young teenager. I am so thankful for God’s grace, forgiveness and redemptive heart that allowed me to transform into a man of faith and testimony.

In good faith I cannot allow Family Research Council to be impacted by mistakes I made as a teenager, so I am resigning as Executive Director of FRC Action. I will continue to pray for the advancements of the causes we believe in and I hope that in the days ahead you will pray for me and Anna as we seek God to discover the next chapter of our lives in His service.

Sincerely,
Joshua Duggar