Lorenzo Sewell, senior pastor of 180 Church in Detroit, has claimed that Christians in Muslim-majority Dearborn, Michigan, are afraid to publicly express their faith due to what he describes as a "two-tiered justice system" in the city.
According to Sewell, who delivered a prayer at President Donald Trump's inauguration, local officials in Dearborn give Muslim residents preferential treatment. He cited an incident in which a Black man was pulled over by police in Dearborn, and alleged that the police showed a different level of enforcement when dealing with Muslim residents.
Sewell also claimed that the city council in Dearborn is upholding Sharia law by allowing practices such as the call to prayer and the serving of halal meat in public schools. He pointed to the city of Hamtramck, which has allowed animal sacrifice and serves halal meat in its schools.
The city council president of Dearborn, Mike Sareini, has denied Sewell's claims, stating that the city is governed by the US Constitution, state laws, and the city charter, and that everyone is treated equally regardless of their religion or background. Sareini also pointed to a recent press conference in which pastors from throughout Dearborn spoke out in support of the city's diverse community, saying that people of different faiths live together peacefully in Dearborn.
Sewell's claims have been met with criticism, and his comments have sparked debate about the role of Sharia law in American cities. The Dearborn Police Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
NTC Report coverage is based on reporting from the original publisher.
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