The present project extends the author's previous work on the growth of support groups in the United States to examine the role of these groups (especially those with religious orientations) in facilitating forgiveness and healing of relationships in families, the workplace, and communities.  The research includes indepth qualitative interviews with individuals who have experienced forgiveness and with pastors, as well as a two-wave national survey of participants in small groups.  The research is funded by the John Templeton Foundation.

"How Religious Groups Promote Forgiving:  A National Study," Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion 36 (June 2000): 124-37.

"Teaching Forgiveness," Van Andel Lecture, Hope College, July 1999.

Forgiveness Survey Codebook (Princeton University, Department of Sociology, 1999).

Sharing the Journey: Support Groups and America's New Quest for Community (New York: Free Press, 1994), 464 pp. A main selection of the Behavioral Science Book Club.

The Small Groups Survey (Princeton University, Department of Sociology, 1991).