A pastor of a large metropolitan church once sought me out for some advice. He was told by several other people that as far as solving his church growth dilemma, namely, drawing Native Americans to the church, I was the "go to guy."

He summed up his case, and then looked at his watch to inform me we had about 10 minutes before he needed to leave. I saved him nine minutes that morning. …

I told him to put Native Americans in real leadership positions and he would see the growth he was looking for. His response: "but they are not ready for the responsibility." To most ethnic minorities this retort is very familiar. I perceived that what he really meant was that, "we," (meaning the White majority) "are not ready for them to lead us." And when it comes to healing the old racial divides in the United States, this could be the rub.

Do I believe in the dignity of others enough to prove it by submitting myself to other ethnic/cultural norms and expectations?"