This world would be a much better place if everyone was as patient, kind and welcoming as Senior Pastor Jonathan Russell of First Baptist Church Milton, who recently showed how Christians should treat others during an encounter with a First Amendment Auditor. In a separate audit at Santa Rosa County District Schools, Milton Police Chief Jen Frank also responded with flying colors.
What is a First Amendment Audit? Independent journalists “test” to ensure the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution is upheld, protecting free speech, religion, press, assembly and petition. They show up at government agencies or other public areas, recording encounters. If law enforcement gets called and tries to interfere, that can result in a lawsuit.
Marc Manchon is a popular auditor who runs the Press NH Now channel on YouTube. He has gained more than 200,000 followers.
Recently Manchon moved here from New England and, to be honest, sticks out like a sore thumb. He has a thick Bostonian accent coupled with brash behavior. As Southerners, we’re accustomed to slow talking as sugary as our sweet tea. By comparision, Manchon is like a brisk straight shot of espresso. No filter. Profanity laced. As the First Amendment gives him the right to be.
So when Marc showed up on Martin Luther King Drive in Milton, a public road which divides First Baptist Church Milton’s buildings and main parking lot, it was a surprise to churchgoers departing morning service. Some questioned why he was recording, and one asserted, incorrectly, that Manchon was videoing on church property, suggesting he move to a nearby sidewalk on Caroline Street.
This graphic shows the public right of way located on Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, dissecting FBC Milton’s buildings from its main parking area.
First Baptist Church Senior Pastor Jonathan Russell patiently approached and completely changed the tempo with his respectful demeanor, disarming Manchon with kindness. A few minutes later Russell even returned to bring Manchon a chilled bottle of water. Russell’s Christianity shined like a beacon. FBC Milton is fortunate to have such leadership!
WATCH THE VIDEO WITH POLICE RESPONSE: https://youtu.be/TksEeAv6LFI?si=I16uewYwby7J03P5
Fast forward to Monday when Manchon shared a video of his visit to Santa Rosa County District Schools’ Dillon Administrative Complex.
The employees at that building could certainly use some 1A training. One of them called the police. But, fortunately, Milton Police Department Chief Jen Frank is knowledgeable about the First Amendment and superbly handled the situation with the utmost professionalism. MPD is fortunate to have her leadership!
WATCH THE VIDEO WITH POLICE RESPONSE: https://youtu.be/mkNJwlg7oIM?si=JKYWy6cCQgnvjMTz
Pastor Russell’s kind, respectful reaction and Chief Frank’s professional, knowledgeable response are some of the best I’ve ever seen. They made our community look good and set an example we all should follow!
If you encounter 1A auditors, it can potentially make you uncomfortable. However, it is usually Constitutionally protected activity. Please practice kindness and don’t call 9-1-1 for non-emergency situations – else you might get infamous on YouTube. In the end, these auditors help ensure our Constitutional rights are protected, even if Manchon may go about it in a way we Southerners don’t prefer.
Also, highly recommend following John Bryan, who runs The Civil Rights Attorney YouTube channel. He’s amassed 1.7 million followers by featuring videos of citizens whose civil rights get violated in law enforcement encounters, exemplifying the need for audits: https://www.youtube.com/@thecivilrightslawyer
