During the first city council meeting in Dearborn, Michigan, since a contentious incident involving a local Christian minister gained national attention, Mayor Abdullah Hammoud stood firm on his previous comments, asserting that the minister was “not welcome here” and that he would organize a parade upon the minister’s departure.
At Tuesday’s session, Ted Barham, the involved minister, opened by reiterating his remarks that had sparked outrage at the prior meeting on September 9.
“The mayor, in a sense, condemned me, which was witnessed globally. And I wish to say once again, Mr. Mayor: ‘God bless you,’” Barham stated.
Despite encouragement from supporters to pursue legal action, Barham confirmed that he had no intention of filing a lawsuit.
“I’ve received suggestions from many around the world to take legal steps, but that’s not my plan,” Barham remarked.
He instead encouraged the council to focus on a more purposeful message: “Bless those who curse you… love your enemies. I extend this sentiment to Hezbollah, to Mr. Siblani, and to Israel—‘Love your enemies.’”
Barham followed with a new request.
“Could you, Mayor Hammoud, publicly join me in issuing a Christian call to prayer alongside the Islamic call in all nations where it is announced?”
Other attendees approached the microphone to challenge the council more directly.
Anthony Deegan expressed, “We love you through the love of Christ. We earnestly desire God’s blessings in your lives… it’s not about us versus them.” He then posed a direct question: “Will you unequivocally denounce Hamas and Hezbollah, or do you endorse them?”
Shane Rife from Garden City voiced his astonishment at Hammoud’s presence at a rally where Osama Siblani, publisher of Arab American News, labeled Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah a “hero.”
“We have a mayor in the United States sharing a platform with a terrorist!? Where do your loyalties lie? To the U.S. or to Hezbollah?” Rife questioned.
Pastor Jeff Davis from Dearborn Evangelical Covenant Church also expressed solidarity with Barham, highlighting his longstanding commitment to the community.
Nagi Almudhegi, a Yemeni-American engineer and mayoral candidate, contributed his perspective in an interview with Fox News Digital.
“The foundation of the United States hinges on freedom of speech and religion, principles that are essential,” Almudhegi asserted.
“If I were in Mayor Hammoud’s situation, I would have remained silent. The individual expressed himself respectfully as an American citizen; the mayor should have respected that instead of responding with hostility.”
Almudhegi cautioned that Hammoud’s declaration of “not welcome here” might perpetuate the narrative that Christians are unwelcome in Dearborn.
“This could feed into the flawed notion that Dearborn is a place of intolerance towards Christians, which I vehemently oppose,” Almudhegi stated.
Previously, Almudhegi had condemned Hammoud’s comments as “unprofessional, classless, and inappropriate,” reaffirming his support for Barham.
When Hammoud had the opportunity to respond later in the meeting, he did not acknowledge the repeated calls for an apology or the specific request to denounce certain groups.
Instead, he proclaimed that Dearborn “embodies the true spirit of America,” emphasizing that “individuals from all backgrounds and beliefs can coexist harmoniously.”
“For years, efforts have been made to create division and dissent in our city,” Hammoud remarked. “Dearborn has always resisted such tactics. Our residents unite against hatred and work together for a community we are all proud of.”
The ongoing discussion remains a significant factor ahead of the November mayoral election in Dearborn, where Hammoud will compete against Almudhegi.
With only two candidates on the ballot, the discourse surrounding religious freedom and the issue sparked by Barham’s statements, alongside the mayor’s replies, may evolve into the pivotal topic for voters.
Hammoud’s office did not provide immediate feedback to Fox News Digital’s inquiries.
