Belgian Church officials have struggled to defend Poor Clare nuns sheltering the accomplice of a child murderer against attacks from families of the victims and repeated protests outside the convent in Malonne.The bishops' conference and the local diocese of Namur expressed sympathy for the sorrow of the victims' families and respect for a court order granting early release to Michelle Martin after serving 16 years of her 30-year sentence.
"Asked by justice authorities, the Poor Clares agreed to receive a person released on parole who wants to rehabilitate herself," the bishops' spokesman said.
Brussels Archbishop André-Joseph Léonard also limited his comments to sympathy for the victims and respect for the court decision.
He stressed the nuns do not come under the control of the local bishop.