Members of the congregation of Providence's Bell Street Chapel use bells to express their support.

08:02 AM EST on Monday, March 15, 2004

Journal photo / Mary Murphy Tom Jones, a parishoner at the Bell Street Chapel, a Unitarian congregation in Providence, rings his bell along with others after yesterday morning's service. They rang the bells in support of same-sex marriage.

PROVIDENCE -- About 100 congregants of the Bell Street Chapel formed a circle in the pocket park beside their church yesterday and rang bells and jiggled key chains in support of gay marriage.

While it only lasted a few minutes, the midday demonstration, immediately after Sunday service, was designed to be a symbolic gesture that went beyond verbal support.

"We wanted to unite with other congregations who are ringing the bells in a symbolic act [today]," said the Rev. Stephen Landale, pastor. "Who knows? Maybe angels can hear bells ringing."

The active congregation three weeks ago passed a unanimous resolution in support of gay marriages, asking the General Assembly to make them legal in Rhode Island.

"Love makes a marriage . . . it does not require a woman and a man," Mr. Landale said. "[And] love between a same-sex couple is just as powerful and real."

Yesterday's melodious event began with a chorus: "We are gentle, angry people and we are singing, singing for our lives."

A cowbell signaled the beginning and the end of bell ringing.

The event ended with a quip, from Mr. Landale -- who had earlier preached a sermon based on his prediction that the sky would not fall, in Chicken Little fashion, if same-sex couples were allowed to wed:

"Are you ready for the surprise? This is not a Unitarian Church, this is a unification church and you are all married, now!"

The Bell Street church -- founded in 1875 and located off Broadway -- has a history of involvement in social justice issues, said Beth Jackson, president of the congregation.

One year ago, the congregation passed a resolution against going to war with Iraq.