News

Church bells too noisy for Narragansett man

NARRAGANSETT, R.I. (AP) — A Narragansett man has gone to federal court to silence church bells sounded by a neighboring Catholic church.

The Providence Journal reports (http://bit.ly/18ryvBS ) that John Devaney says in his lawsuit that the bells of St. Thomas More Catholic Parish disrupt his life and contributed to the end of his marriage.

He is asking the court to order the church to reduce the number of bell claps and gongs so he can peacefully enjoy his property.

The 64-year-old Devaney says the church bell did not operate when he and his now ex-wife bought their house 18 years ago. About six years later the bell was upgraded to operate electronically.

Through the Catholic Diocese of Providence, the church says the brief bell ringing is reasonable and well within its rights.

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Information from: The Providence Journal, http://www.providencejournal.com