Silencing of church bells riles some in Pittsford

From New York State-

Two schools of thought are clanging together at Christ Episcopal Church in Pittsford over its church bells.

After complaints from neighbors that the bells, which sounded every hour, disrupted their sleep, church officials decided to silence the bells after 11 p.m. But some church members are upset that the church's governing body decided to end that more than century-old tradition without discussions with parishioners and the community.

Church officials said they talked at length about the issue and felt their decision was appropriate.

The Rev. Winifred Collins, pastor at Christ Episcopal Church, said other churches quiet their bells after 11 p.m., so she didn't see anything extraordinary about the request.

"We are trying to be considerate neighbors based on our Christian values of hospitality and compassion," said Collins. "As a church, we are called to be respectful to people's needs."

Lisa Cove, a neighbor, said she appreciated the church's diligence in researching how other churches handle this situation. She was happy that church officials understood that the majority of people wouldn't notice the bells not ringing at night since they would be asleep.

"The church has always prided themselves as being a good neighbor and listening to all sides and they did what was best for everyone involved," said Cove. "You have to remember that the area is residential and it can disturb someone at midnight to hear the bells ringing 12 times."

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http://www.democratandchronicle.com/article/20091230/NEWS01/912300328/1002/NEWS/Silencing-of-church-bells-riles-some-in-Pittsford