Pastor Lorenzo Sewell, senior pastor of 180 Church in Detroit, joined Chicago’s Morning Answer with John Anthony to discuss his recent confrontations with protesters, his outspoken criticism of Sharia law, and his call for Christians to become more involved in American public life.
Sewell, who has previously appeared on the program and delivered the benediction at President Donald Trump’s inauguration, has drawn both support and criticism for his recent public comments about Islam and the Muslim community in and around Detroit.
The pastor said his decision to speak out is rooted in his interpretation of the Bible and his belief that God frequently uses people and circumstances that others would not expect. He pointed to biblical figures such as Saul of Tarsus, who became the Apostle Paul, as examples of individuals whose pasts did not prevent them from being used for a larger purpose.
Sewell also discussed his association with Jake Lang, a controversial figure who has joined him in his recent activism. Sewell acknowledged that Lang’s language and background have generated criticism but argued that his focus is on what he believes is a broader spiritual and political battle.
The discussion centered heavily on Sewell’s recent appearance at a Dearborn City Council meeting, where he declared that the city was operating under Sharia law rather than American law. Sewell said he reached that conclusion because he believes there is a two-tiered justice system developing in some communities and pointed to an incident at his church as an example of what he considers an increasingly hostile environment.
Sewell said he has also faced opposition from other pastors who, he claimed, have discouraged him from speaking publicly on the issue. He argued that Christians should not be afraid to defend their beliefs, even when doing so brings criticism or personal risk.
The pastor rejected the characterization that his activism is motivated by hatred toward Muslims or Arabs. Instead, he described himself as “pro-American” and said his primary concern is protecting freedoms guaranteed by the First Amendment, including freedom of speech, freedom of assembly and the right to petition the government.
“I love America,” Sewell told Anthony, emphasizing that his concern is the ability of Christians to openly express their beliefs and challenge government policies.
The interview also touched on an incident at Sewell’s church in which a protester approached him during a worship service. Sewell said he initially believed the man simply wanted prayer and did not realize he had previously protested against him in Dearborn. Sewell said he was praying for Black men when the encounter occurred and later interpreted the incident through the lens of his Christian faith.
Anthony expressed concern that Sewell may have become a target because of his increasingly prominent activism and urged him to consider additional security measures for himself, his family and his congregation.
Sewell said his first request to supporters is not financial but spiritual. He called on Christians to repent, pray and seek God, arguing that the inability of a Christian pastor to openly glorify Christ would represent a serious loss for the country.
He also said 180 Church is preparing legal action against several groups that he says disrupted a church service. Sewell said the lawsuit would involve five organizations and argued that protesters should not be permitted to intimidate or interfere with religious worship.
Looking ahead, Sewell said he intends to continue engaging publicly with Muslims in the Detroit area. He said he planned to address a large gathering of Muslims and challenge their beliefs about Muhammad and the Quran, framing the encounters as opportunities for debate rather than attempts to provoke violence.
Throughout the interview, Sewell repeatedly returned to the idea that Christians have become too hesitant to participate in political and cultural debates. He said he believes pastors have a responsibility to speak out when they believe fundamental American freedoms or Christian principles are under threat.
Sewell also said he recently received encouragement from President Trump to remain involved in political efforts, including helping Republicans compete in upcoming Senate races. He told Anthony that he plans to continue preaching and participating in national political events, including an appearance at the Republican National Convention.
For Sewell, the message is ultimately one of courage. Despite the backlash surrounding his recent statements and activism, he said Christians should not retreat from public life simply because speaking openly may bring criticism or controversy.