What does Dimmesdale's willingness to stand in judgment of Hester say about his character?

This shows Dimmesdale to be rather cowardly. He is hiding behind his sin through Hester. He is letting Hester take all the blame for something that should, for the most part, be cast on his shoulders. Dimmesdale does try to help Hester within this context. He convinces the others to leave Pearl with Hester.