” “”The bishops are aware that some sans-papier occupy the churches to bring their tragedy in the limelight” and accept "this fact, provided the local authorities agree”, and no hunger strikes are organised. The Belgian bishops, at the end of a press conference held today in Malines, repeat they sympathise with the sans-papier, as they had already stated on the occasion of Hop (Hoop Op Papieren. Hope to get the permit), a demonstration that took place in Antwerp last February. Occupying the churches, explain the bishops in a release, "is a way for them to have their say, and as such it is just temporary. It certainly cannot be interpreted as the Church morally blackmailing politicians”. “The problem is first and foremost a human one they insist and makes appeal to everyone’s conscience. The bishops just want to join this appeal", but, they explain, "they will not allow any party to exploit or manipulate them. They intend to preserve their freedom of expression”. ” “
