Catholic Bishops Call for Bell Ringing Marking War's End

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) - Illinois' Catholic bishops are calling on schools and parishes across the state to ring their bells next month to mark the end of the Civil War.

Archdiocese of Chicago officials say the plan arose out of the denomination's annual meeting. The requested four-minute ringing of bells at 2:15 p.m. on April 9 would coincide with the very hour of the ceremony leading to the end of the four-year Civil War. It would also mark an end to slavery in the United States in 1865.

Officials say 150 years later, "all can benefit" from President Abraham Lincoln's words advocating for "a just and lasting peace, among ourselves, and with all nations."

The Diocese of Rockford joins with all Illinois Diocese in marking the anniversary of the end of slavery.