Psychology journal to publish forgiveness studies by Evangel graduates

December 11, 2007
Contact: Paul K. Logsdon, Director of Public Relations and Publications, (417) 865-2815 ext. 7292

Springfield, Mo. — An article authored by Evangel psychology graduates Eloise K. Thomas, Kelley White and Dr. Geoffrey W. Sutton has been scheduled for publication in the March 2008 issue of the Journal of Psychology and Christianity.

The article, “Clergy apologies follow abuse: What makes a difference? Exploring forgiveness, apology, responsibility-taking, gender, and restoration,” is based on the students’ two separate studies on the effects of an apology on forgiveness.

“I am very pleased that their work was accepted,” said Sutton who served as thesis supervisor for the two projects.

Kelley White did the first study in a local church and found that it was easier for people to forgive a pastor who had committed a sexual offense in a church if the pastor did not apologize.

“Interestingly, men were more forgiving toward female clergy and women were more forgiving toward male clergy,” Sutton said.

Eloise Thomas expanded on the first study with a closer look at the dimensions of apology in a different church. She found that women were more forgiving of a male pastor who took responsibility, and men were more forgiving of a male pastor who did not take responsibility.

Thomas (2006) and White (2005) both earned master’s degrees in clinical psychology from Evangel. Thomas was recently hired as a full-time faculty member at Ozarks Technical Community College while completing a second master’s degree in marriage and family counseling at the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary.

White is completing her supervision requirements for licensure as a Professional Counselor.

Sutton, a licensed psychologist is a 1972 Evangel graduate. He earned his Ph.D. in psychology from Missouri University-Columbia in 1981 and has taught at Evangel University since 2001. His current research interests focus on relationships in faith communities including concepts of forgiveness and restoration. He provides seminars and workshops to faith-based organizations.

The reference for the manuscript follows:

Thomas, E., White, K. & Sutton, G. W. (2008) Clergy apologies following abuse: What makes a difference? Exploring forgiveness, apology, responsibility-taking, gender, and restoration. Journal of Psychology and Christianity.

For additional information, contact Dr. Geoffrey W. Sutton or (417) 865-2815 ext. 8610 or Eloise Thomas (417) 343-9884.