More Trouble Coming for Christians in Nepal
One of the restricted nations that we highlight on our Restricted Nations page is the nation of Nepal. The majority religion in Nepal is Hinduism, followed by Buddhism and then Christianity.
According to the numbers on the Mission Network News site, Christians comprise only 2.8% evangelical. Our restricted nations page says that 1.89% of the population in Nepal is Christian. So we know that Christians are outnumbered greatly in this hostile nation to Christians.
Now, unfortunately, it is being reported that Nepal is seeking to strengthen their anti-conversion laws, which would put Christians in even more peril. The Mission Network News article says:
Nepal abolished Hinduism as the state religion in 2006 but is now working on giving the criminal code added "bite." Changes now forbid a person of one faith to "convert a person or abet him to change his religion."
According to Compass, Article 160 of the proposed code also says no one will be allowed to do anything or behave in any way that could cause a person from a caste, community or creed to lose faith in his/her traditional religion or convert to a different religion.
The standard clauses of "offering inducements or without inducement" and preaching "a different religion or faith with any other intent" are also included in the prohibitions.
Evangelists convicted under the code could face a five-year jail sentence as well as a heavy fine (US$685). If the offender is a foreigner, deportation would come within seven days of completing the sentence.
Can you see how these proposed changes are going to severely impact serious Christians in Nepal? The very commands of Jesus was to go therefore and make disciples. Christians are commanded by Jesus to do the very thing Nepal wants to silence. Please pray for Christians in Nepal to stand firm in their faith, and also for them to have courage to share the gospel.
18Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them ina the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” - Matthew 28:19-20