Federal Lawsuit Challenges Noise From Church Bells

The Providence Journal reported last week on a pro se federal lawsuit filed by a Narragansett, Rhode Island man, John Devaney, who objects to the noise from the bells of St. Thomas More Catholic Parish directly across from his home, as well as those of an Episcopal Church nearby. Naming Attorney General Peter F. Kilmartin, Diocese of Providence Bishop Thomas J. Tobin, Archbishop Carlo Maria Vigano, apostolic nuncio to the United States, and Pope Francis as defendants, as well as the administrator of the Epsicopal church, the suit claims that the bells deny Devaney his constitutional rights and the peaceful enjoyment of his property.  Claiming that there are 700 amplified claps and gongs each week, the suit seeks to require the town to apply its noise ordinances to churches and to require the St. Thomas More to reduce the number and volume of its chimes.  The Catholic parish's bells ring for one minute 3 times a day on weekdays, twice on Saturdays and once on Sundays. The diocese claims that Devaney is harassing visitors, worshipers and staff of the parish.