Rev. Harold Dean Trulear, Ph.D., is Associate Professor of Applied Theology at Howard University School of Divinity. A graduate of Morehouse College (BA) and Drew University (PhD), he directs a national research and demonstration project called “Healing Communities USA,” mobilizing congregations to support those returning from incarceration through the establishment of family and social support networks. With Charles Lewis and W. Wilson Goode, he is co-editor of the book Ministry with Prisoners and Families: The Way Forward (Judson Press 2011). His book, Balancing Justice with Mercy: An Interfaith Guide to Creating Healing Communities was released in September 2021, while his newest book: Welcome Home: Reflective Essays for Returning Citizens, is currently being used as pre-release curriculum in over 100 jail facilities. Rev. Trulear is married to Brenda J. Trulear, pastor of Empowered Ministries, Inc., and director of Phemi School of Ministry.