On Good Friday, the North Carolina Council of Churches supported 100+ congregations as they came together ‘against tyranny’ in a powerful, symbolic act: ringing bells for democracy. Inspired by the events of 250 years ago — when Boston’s Old North Church signaled the start of Paul Revere’s ride — and churches throughout the area rang their bells in warning and communication.
To commemorate this historic event, the Old North Church rang its historic bells — the oldest in America — on April 18, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. to honor the day the American people began their fight for freedom, liberty, and justice for all that continues today. Heather Cox Richardson, a renowned historian and author, delivered an inspired talk for its Lantern Service.
Houses of Worship — and so many people of faith and conscience— rang their bells at the start of services that day in solidarity with the Old North Church and to honor America’s historic struggle against tyranny.
Bells rang out from sea to sea — from partner churches across North Carolina to a lighthouse in Maine to historic churches like Boston’s Old North Church, New York City’s Riverside Church, St. Luke’s in Atlanta, the beautiful St. Vincent DePaul Catholic Church in Los Angeles and scores more in between.
The North Carolina Council of Churches cosponsored Let Freedom Ring! with the Center for Media and Democracy, The Old North Church, National Council of Churches, Maine Council of Churches, New York Council of Churches, and Repairers of the Breach.
