Man claims church bell contributed to the end of his marriage

A man has gone to court claiming that the ringing of a bell at a church opposite his home helped to ruin his marriage. John Devaney said that the bell of St Thomas More Catholic Parish Church in Narragansett, Rhode Island, has disrupted his life and precipitated the demise of his marriage. He is asking the court to order the churches to reduce the number of bell claps and gongs so he can peacefully enjoy his property.



Devaney, 64, 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. According to Devaney, the bell “claps” and “gongs” at least 700 times a week, resulting in more than 36,000 times during the year. This reportedly caused emotional distress, bad moods and arguments with his wife. The bell chimes at 8:45am, noon and 6pm each day, 4:45pm on Saturdays, and 7:45am on Sundays, the suit says. It also tolls for weddings and funerals.

Devaney, who is acting as his own lawyer, is seeking unspecified monetary damages for the disruption of his life “these past number of years, day in, day out, day in, day out” caused by the chimes. His lawsuit names 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. Through the Catholic Diocese of Providence, the church says the brief bell ringing is reasonable and well within its rights.


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“So many in the community have enjoyed hearing the bell for more than 10 years for but minutes a day. The parish believes the brief ringing of the bell is reasonable and well within its rights,” the church said in a statement. “The parish community is saddened that a sole individual would continue personal, inappropriate attacks harassing visitors, worshippers and staff of St. Thomas More Parish. As a community of faith, we will pray for peace and understanding and that all our neighbours know of our charity and concern.”