Christian Minister Identified as Individual Involved in Controversial Sparring with Dearborn Mayor, Finds Himself Unwelcome Due to the Incident
In the heart of Michigan, a Christian minister named Edward 'Ted' Barham has found himself at the centre of a heated debate. Barham, who was born in Africa and has lived in various countries including Pakistan, Lebanon, Israel, and England, currently resides in Dearborn, where he leads a ministry.
Recently, Barham gave an exclusive interview to Digital following a city council exchange where Mayor Abdullah Hammoud told him he was 'not welcome.' The exchange occurred after Barham criticized Osama Siblani, a controversial figure known for his sympathies towards terrorist groups like Hezbollah.
In September 2024, at a rally in Dearborn, Siblani praised Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah as a 'hero.' This is not the first time Siblani has made controversial remarks. In 2003, he called Hezbollah 'freedom fighters,' and in 2006, he expressed a willingness to go to jail if the FBI came after those who support Hezbollah's resistance.
Barham, who has produced Arabic-language Christian programming and holds graduate qualifications in biblical languages and theology from prestigious institutions like the University of Toronto, Oxford University, and others, took the incident as a strengthening of his resolve to speak out about freedom of speech and freedom of faith.
However, the city leadership seems to dismiss Christian speech. In 2022, organizers of a Christian film event were accused of 'preying on children' for offering food at a screening. Barham criticized this dismissal, stating that it was a violation of the principles of freedom of speech and faith.
Barham's ongoing ministry in the Dearborn community can be followed on X at @DearbornDiscuss. Despite the recent exchange, Barham said he will not respond with hate and instead said 'God bless you.'
Interestingly, Barham's group tested a Christian call to prayer in Arabic in public spaces in Dearborn, which he considers a unique opportunity not available in many Muslim countries. However, the search results do not provide information about any Christian organization in Dearborn, Michigan, in 2025 attempting to play a Christian call to prayer in Arabic in public spaces.
Barham also objected to street signs honoring Siblani during a Sept. 9 city council meeting. The Office of Mayor Abdullah Hammoud did not immediately return Digital's request for comment. Governor Gretchen Whitmer has also remained silent on the incident where Dearborn's Muslim mayor told a resident he was 'not welcome' for criticizing a terrorist sympathizer.
Barham encourages American Christians to make the message of Christ attractive to their Muslim friends and neighbors. Despite his disappointment in Mayor Abdullah Hammoud's promise to 'launch a parade' when he leaves town, Barham has had some positive interactions with him and his family.
Jasmine Baehr is a Breaking News Writer for Digital, where she covers politics, the military, faith, and culture. This article provides a balanced view of the ongoing controversy in Dearborn, Michigan, shedding light on the perspectives of both parties involved.
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