News Footage of Preacher Arrested on Alabama A&M Jesse Morrell

Yeah, I was rather turned off by that comment. No doubt, press like this makes him more money. But oh well, he probably just barely makes a living doing this.

Maybe he "makes a living" by getting a settlement after filing a first amendment case against school administrators. He said he had 3 lawsuits so far with one still pending and two already settled.

Ironically, Jesse Morrell would have been allowed to preach on the University property if he had filed a request. Public universities have "free speech" areas that are designated for such activity. If he wanted to do so, Jesse could have easily obtained permission to do so.

Jesse Morrell has no more of a legal "right" to preach anywhere on a public college campus than a Muslim cleric has a "right" to preach on a public elementary school campus during school, or a Jehovah's Witness inside of the public walls of the US Capitol, or Mormons inside of the local Department of Motor Vehicles. Now, open air preachers like Jesse can certainly do this...but they must abide by the local laws. Most schools belong to "special districts" and can create their own laws and organize their own police department. Preachers can preach upon such property by going through the right procedures or administrative avenues.

Jesse Morrell should know by now that he should do this BEFORE he goes about preaching. He says that the officers should have informed him -- but he already has been arrested several times for this same thing. Unfortunately, I have seen several open air preachers who use these sort of arrests as "publicity stunts." They arrive to a campus unannounced and then commence loudly pronouncing judgment upon the campus (often for behavior). Instead of going to the authorities to find out how, when and where they can preach...they take it upon themselves to do as they wish. They almost boast about being arrested...while also acting like they are a "victim." They become evangelists for "free speech" much more than the Good News of Jesus Christ.

Jesse has a "right" to preach in the United States. However, local jurisdictions often have limits. I can preach in a public, open air park UNLESS there is a guideline that causes some restrictions or conflict of interest (such as if the park is closed at a certain time or if the park is designated for a particular purpose -- like eating or recreation).

The Word of God says that we are to submit to authorities and magistrates. These "authorities" are not just confined to the national government. They include states, counties, cities and special districts. School districts in many states even set tax rates and bonds through referendums. Jesus showed us by example that we are still subject to those earthly requirements. Jesse Morrell simply needs to figure out what is needed of him before he goes about making "his living."

Somehow, I think that he should already know this by now.

Somehow, I think that he should already know this by now.

Interesting how he has "armed" himself with audio and video recorders just in case he finally gets beat up and hits the jackpot.

Hmmm, looks like the perfect Law keeper overlooked Romans 13 and what it says about submitting to authorities.

As an open air preacher, I've run into troubles with the law and authorities on these things. You can show up and preach open air with little to know problem on most public sidewalks, especially at universities. I did speak at a community college once where I was given a lecture by the security there, but each and every time I complied with them. If they asked me to move to another location, I did. If they said I was being too loud, and they could hear me inside their buildings, I lowered my volume.

Once one of the security officers, a Christian, told me he personally had no problem with me being there and preaching. He was all for it. But eventually he did make it clear to me that the powers at that college did not like me there preaching, specifically, the Vice President of the school who was slated to take over the role as President next year, and he didn't want anything happening on his watch that somehow slowed his career down.

Even when it is clear that the authorities are abusing their powers and violating our rights, as Christians we should follow the example of Christ that we read about in 1 Peter. We should choose rather to suffer, and not be individuals who insist on our right. Indeed, in insisting on our rights, we may be cutting off the hand of God over our circumstance, who might be looking to do something else altogether. No doubt, the apostle Paul from time to time insisted on his rights when he discerned there was wisdom in doing so. But at other times, he allowed them to be violated. Indeed, his refusal to insist on his rights eventually landed him before Caesar!

One thing is for sure, dragging the media into this is very tacky and self-serving. It's also manipulative, as he knows by dragging the media into such a story, the university who doesn't want any bad press, and is likely to cave. Christ taught us that when they persecute us in one city because of the gospel, we are supposed to wipe the dust off our shoes and turn away from that city. We aren't supposed to pull a PR stunt to force them to listen to us. If people don't want to hear the gospel, then it is God's judgment upon them to keep the gospel from ever entering their ears again so as to be saved. Instead of preaching the gospel to people who have no interest whatsoever in it, I'd rather spend my time preaching it to people who do want to listen to it.

I've yet to return to two locations to preach open-air ever since it was made clear to me by local authorities that I was not really welcomed. If they don't want to hear it, or don't want others to, then that's God's judgment on them.

There is no such thing as "bad publicity".

There is when you bring reproach to Christ.

The audio recording of the Police say that he was arrested for "trespassing" "disorderly conduct" and "disturbing the peace". They said nothing about not acquiring a permit. Jesse was clearly arrested for preaching the Gospel on public property.

As believers we should encourage brethren who are suffering persecution, not accuse them and question their motives. If a man is willing to publicly preach Jesus and suffer for Jesus it is probably because he loves Jesus.

Hi NSCalvinist...

NSCalvinist wrote:
The audio recording of the Police say that he was arrested for "trespassing" "disorderly conduct" and "disturbing the peace". They said nothing about not acquiring a permit. Jesse was clearly arrested for preaching the Gospel on public property.

I disagree. Jesse Morrell was arrested for simply NOT obtaining permission (which is a rule on most college campuses). Jesse makes this clear to the news reporter in the second video listed in the first post of this thread. The reporter drilled him with that question, and he left the responsibility of obtaining permission to the police. I find this to be a somewhat dishonest response from a man who has been arrested several times for the same thing.

The bottom line is that Jesse Morrell knows that he needs permission on many campuses...and simply neglected to do so. It has nothing to do with a man who was arrested because of the content of what he preached. Most of us would be upset if a Muslim, Mormon, Jehovah's Witness or atheists stood up on a public school campus and proclaimed their views to our children. We would be even more incensed if those individuals claimed that they were merely exercising "free speech" when they shouted their views on a public school campus.

For a guy who has been arrested several times for the same thing, you would think that he would have gone through the necessary avenues BEFORE he made (and recorded) such a public spectacle. Somehow, I think that this [u]was[/u] his point. He might be making a "free speech" statement by doing this regardless of the University's guidelines. However, he could have done the same thing through a legal petition BEFORE doing it anyway. Besides, "free speech" (as protected by the 1st Amendment) is NOT universal. It does not give a person the "right" to scream "fire" in a crowded restaurant. It does not give someone the "right" to purposely incite a public riot through inflammatory words. It doesn't give a person the "right" to walk into a public school and begin shouting religious views (regardless whether or not those views are correct).

Jesse certainly has a "free speech" right in this nation to preach. However, there are areas in such places where he can do that. In my undergraduate school, the "free speech zone" was located in a highly trafficked place next to the Student Union Building (which draws thousands of students per day). To utilize this privilege, you simply have to log in with the campus police department. They will even provide "security" on your behalf (and it won't cost you a dime)! Jesse has to have known this. I just think that he did this on purpose for some reason. Perhaps he thought that the publicity would be good? If so, I think that there was a hint of deception or "double-mindedness" behind it.

I can't help but think that he could have continued preaching if he would have simply obtained the necessary permit. Then, he wouldn't have been distracted or sidetracked by a "free speech" argument.

:-(

TheArminian wrote:

Where did you get this information?

I actually listened to the news report posted by Jesse Morrell. He admitted that he did not seek or obtain a permit when asked by the reporter (although, for some reason, he showed her a parking permit). Of course, I find it odd that he went through the trouble of obtaining a parking permit at a "public university" but refused to obtain a permit to preach anywhere he wanted on campus. He has to know that many "public" schools have guidelines for such demonstrations of "free speech." After being arrested several times, you think that it would have sunk in.

The Police Officer in the video said he was arresting him because it was a private university.

Did I miss something? Can you tell me where in the video the Police Officer even mentioned a permit? All I heard was that he was being arrested because A&M is a private campus.

I think that the police officer was likely and simply unaware that it was a "public" campus. Although he was wrong in what he said, it is NOT a crime to be incorrect. The bottom line is that Jesse didn't go through the proper avenues to set up his own little "free speech" congregation on that campus. If he had made just a little effort (that probably wouldn't have taken 15 minutes), he wouldn't have been arrested at all.

BTW, are you connected in any way, shape or form with Jesse Morrell? Are you married to him? Are you related to him? Are you affiliated with him? Are you Jesse? I'm not trying to accuse you of this...but it seems just a bit odd that your SermonIndex threads seem to be limited to threads about the guy. I'm not saying that it is wrong, either. However, I do think that it would indicate a predetermined bias in this regard. I think that it would also be somewhat deceptive to act like an "independent voice" on such matters. Of course, you might be an honest and sincere believer who has nothing to do with Jesse Morrell or his work and who just happens to be interested in Jesse's ministry.

Paul said that he rejoiced that Christ was preached, regardless of what a person's motives were. Jonah certainly had a bad heart yet God was able to use him to save souls and see a revival. But from what I can tell from the videos, Jesse has good motives. The Police were clearly wrong.

I am glad to read in the comments that Jesse made in the video that the Administration apologized for what had happened. It is good that the administration realized that the Police were wrong.

i am just curious, does not the american constitution act as a permission in itself? it seem to a foreigner like myself the rules makes the constitution not always valid if they say no to a permit, if they say no, are they not refusing a citizen their constitutional right then?

I agree with the notion that Jesse is probably doing this to raise awareness to his ministry and loves the spotlight from local news and media based on the fact that he already knows the rules behind obtaining permits from the public universities.

I also find it strange that he keeps on saying that if they would of told him to get a permit he would of gotten one. When it is apparent that he knows this prior to being arrested or confronted by police. He has been doing this for five years, this is not new to him or anyone in public university evangelism.

He does however have a good point when he says he is against the concept of permits to speak all together because it is unconstitutional to have to obtain a permit for something that he has already been given the right to practice. He states that his permit is the constitution itself. An example of this is that it is unnecessary to obtain a permit to have a fair and just trial when it is already a fundamental right.

I feel if he just stated the above in the beginning he wouldn't seem so misleading.

Guys,

Before you get all hot and bothered by the discussion here, you should know that NSCalvinist and TheArminian are both accounts of Jesse Morrell. Of course they agree with each other -- they have been doing this in other threads before. Jesse is using these multiple accounts to defend himself here. He is playing with us.

By the way, in his other account JMorrell, he said: "I would sooner become an atheist than to become a Calvinist."

That account was banned so he can't even edit that statement anymore. He's a funny guy pretending to be a Christian. Another memorable quote: "I do this for a living". LOL! Funny how the truth will always come out.

we should send missionaries to China even if it is illegal. We should obey God rather than man as the Apostles said when the authorities forbad them from preaching.

That is a good point. We should preach the Gospel whether we have permission from the authorities or not.

Hi nizero...

He does however have a good point when he says he is against the concept of permits to speak all together because it is unconstitutional to have to obtain a permit for something that he has already been given the right to practice. He states that his permit is the constitution itself. An example of this is that it is unnecessary to obtain a permit to have a fair and just trial when it is already a fundamental right.

Yet, Jesse went through the trouble of obtaining a parking permit simply to park on a "public campus." I imagine that he wasn't permitted to park anywhere he wanted, but only within the limits of that particular parking permit. In the universities that I have attended, the place that you obtain a parking permit is the same place that you would obtain permission to use the campus "free speech" areas.

Americans certainly have a constitutional right to "free speech." In addition, the same amendment in the Bill of Rights grants us the free "right" to assemble together. Yet, this is not universal. I cannot assemble when I want...where I want...how I want. I cannot "assemble" at a tennis court gate at a public park and block people from entering or exiting the tennis court. I cannot use my "freedom to assemble" to walk into an empty college classroom and use it as a church without seeking prior permission. Similarly, many campuses have predetermined guidelines regarding where an "open air" evangelist (or Muslim cleric, PETA activist, Mormon "missionary," etc...) can set up their own congregation. In a sense, things must be done in "decency and order" on a campus as well as in a congregation.

I just called the University in order to obtain just a little clarification. I am waiting to receive a call back from a University official in order to see what the requirements might be in regard to utilizing "free speech" on campus. I also want to see if Jesse Morrell might be leaving something out. I'll let you know what they say.

:-)

BTW, I am still waiting for NSCalvinist to confirm whether or not he/she is affiliated in any way with Jesse Morrell (either a relative, wife, a ministry worker...or even the man himself). If there is a connection of any sort, then I would be greatly disappointed at the level of deception by which this person has taken to do such a thing.

That is a good point. We should preach the Gospel whether we have permission from the authorities or not.

its true, but as with everything there is a good way and a less good way.

Mat 10:16 Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.

GeorgeFox wrote:

we should send missionaries to China even if it is illegal. We should obey God rather than man as the Apostles said when the authorities forbad them from preaching.

That is a good point. We should preach the Gospel whether we have permission from the authorities or not.

LOL! As soon as he is unmasked, Jesse -"I would sooner become an atheist than to become a Calvinist"-and-"I do this for a living"- Morrell changes to another account: George Fox. He has used this ID in the past too. Now he will probably register a totally new unknown account to continue his self-defense. Funny guy.

Hello...

I just got off the phone with the Director of the Office of Information and Public Relations from Alabama A&M University. He informed me that Jesse certainly has a right to free speech...and they made this clear to him. However, due to public safety, all visitors of the campus are required to "check in" at the school. The director explained that there are large signs located around campus that explain this. The police arrived only after they received a complaint from a registered student.

The director did explain that the security officer was incorrect in asserting that this is a "private" university; however, the rule still applies regardless of whether or not it is a public or private school. He explained that, since he is not a registered student, Jesse simply needed to go to the office and fill out a simple form in order to preach on campus. If he had done this, he could have preached unimpeded.

After the initial fiasco, Jesse was allowed to return to the school and preach his message. I was told that he did return and preach -- and without incident.

Personally, I think that it is a bit disingenuous for Jesse Morrell to imply that he was arrested for preaching the Gospel. He was not. He was simply arrested because he was asked to leave (unless he had registered as a visitor with the University) and he refused, preferring to pull out the camera and pull a "free speech victim" stunt. This had nothing to do with the Gospel. It had to do with Jesse's refusal to register as a visitor.

Oddly enough, Jesse thought to obtain a parking PERMIT for his car with this "public" university, but neglected to take the same measure himself. If we have to register to preach at a public hospital, elementary school or even public state park -- why should we think that we have a "free pass" just because we are carrying a Bible? Ironically, Jesse's right of "free speech" was not impeded at all. The school did not tell him what he could or could not say. He just didn't think that he needed to register as a visitor.

I thanked the Director of Information and Public Relations for making this clear. He indicated that he feels no ill will toward Jesse Morrell. He even respects his boldness for sharing his views. He doesn't want the University to appear closed to either the faith or "free speech." In fact, he reminded me that the Alabama A&M University has quite a few vibrant Christian student organizations that organize evangelical events on campus.

It just makes me wonder if Jesse knew that this could have all been avoided if he simply had taken a few minutes to register as a visitor to the school. However, I can't help but wonder if Jesse might have known anyway...but still chose to neglect this.

:-(

Hi Jesse...

My policy is to just show up on a public campus and start preaching...

If a campus requires a permit, they will come and tell us...

But if you have been arrested several times for the same thing, then why didn't you come and register as a guest? You could have easily checked to see if anything was necessary BEFORE you acted with such an assumption.

On this campus, the Officer arrested me for trespassing on a private campus...

Did he arrest you for trespassing on a private campus...or for simply [i]trespassing[/i]? What does the arrest report say? The police officer obviously made a verbal mistake. You were certainly on a public university -- but so what? You simply needed to register as a visitor. Besides, you weren't simply walking around campus or registering for classes. Right or wrong -- you were creating a scene. You were assembling a congregation of hearers. Now, I have visited quite a few public and private campuses. I have been forced to register as a visitor on each of them (with the exception of UNA, which is a school that one of my sisters actually attended). Just FYI, but such a rule is pretty consistent. You simply have to check BEFORE you go about preaching. This is usually with a university police department or with an office of student affairs or student activities. Since you would be a visitor, it only makes sense to check first. Then, you will no longer be a stranger, but a guest.

I didn't want to get arrested and I don't like lawsuits at all. I just want to preach. That is why I filled out the permit to return to campus. I do think that permits are unconstitutional, nevertheless I get permits if I need to because all I want to do is preach the gospel to the lost.

In order to avoid such issues in the future, why not just check this out first? If someone denies you entrance AFTER you attempt to obtain a permit, then you can go ahead and proceed with filing a lawsuit. However, this sort of thing can be an unnecessary distraction if your ultimate goal is to preach the Gospel. Personally, I understand the need for such permits (even in public places). They aren't meant to impede "free speech," but to protect individuals who choose to implement that right while also protecting the campus too. The campus cannot tell you what you can or cannot say (regarding the Gospel). However, they have a right to make sure that you commence preaching with decency and order according to established state or university (special district) policy.

To be fair, the Director of the Office of Information and Public Relations was very kind when speaking about you. He obviously holds no grudge against you and said that the school hopes to encourage individuals to use "free speech." However, he stated that the school has guidelines for safety and order. He said that the school has very noticeable signs about the need to register as a visitor. I just think that you should check with the campus BEFORE you actually start preaching. Don't leave this up to the security guards or campus police officials to inform you of this. From the video, it seems like they were going to let you leave (without an arrest), but you proceeded to pull out a camera and ask questions. I think that you would save yourself a lot of time, effort and trouble to simply find out such requirements BEFORE you go about preaching.

:-(

BTW, can you confirm or deny whether or not you are acting "undercover" as one of these other members of SI in this thread? Are you writing posts as "NSCalvinist," "TheArminian," "GeorgeFox" or anyone else in this thread? If not, is this someone that is associated with you? You might not think that it makes a difference, but it would demonstrate a pattern of dishonesty (unless you could better explain it otherwise).

BTW, can you confirm or deny whether or not you are acting "undercover" as one of these other members of SI in this thread? Are you writing posts as "NSCalvinist," "TheArminian," "GeorgeFox" or anyone else in this thread? If not, is this someone that is associated with you? You might not think that it makes a difference, but it would demonstrate a pattern of dishonesty (unless you could better explain it otherwise).

This question seems to keep getting ignored. I also would like to know if this is true or not. Would you Jesse, be so kind to answer this question for us? Should we take the ignoring of the question as that you are all these people?
I have seen some of the threads that accuse you of having these identities. Please let us know whether it is true or not.

Are you writing posts as "NSCalvinist," "TheArminian," "GeorgeFox" or anyone else in this thread?

To be straight foward, Are you posting under these names?

I have always respected you Jesse, I have listened to and been challenged by your messages. I just would like to know the truth in this situation.

Hi Jesse...

Arrested for the same thing? What are you talking about? I have never been arrested for failure to acquire a permit.

I was arrested once in Hartford while preaching in the public square. The Police have since admitted that I was falsely arrsted.

And I was once arrested on Tyler Junior College. They don't even have a permit process. They simply don't allow preachers at all. That is why I now preach from the city street when preaching to the students there.

jessemorrell wrote:

Are you writing posts as "NSCalvinist," "TheArminian," "GeorgeFox" or anyone else in this thread? If not, is this someone that is associated with you?

What if they are associated with me? What does that matter?

It would matter if you are being completely honest. I would be highly disappointed if you (or someone associated with you) were writing in defense of yourself from a "third-person" perspective. It seems that it would be quite deceptive and "double-minded" to create another account and defend yourself or congratulate yourself from that account as if you were another person. Do you see what I mean? If this isn't true, then I apologize for bringing it up. I just wanted to check with you since others seem to think that you are actually writing from multiple identities that seem to indicate an entirely different individual altogether.