Is Christianity illegal in Nepal? Answers from an evangelist

Discussing The Origins of Nepal’s Anti-Conversion Laws

Technically, Nepal is considered a secular nation under the constitution. But in practice, the vast majority of the nation identifies as Hindu. And those in leadership positions have already implemented stringent anti-conversion laws that disproportionally impact the vulnerable Christian minority.

Advancing a Hindu nationalist agenda, members of the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) and Hindu radicals would like Nepal to re-establish its Hindu statehood. And what is Hindu nationalism, exactly? It’s the notion that the Hindu faith and culture should drive the government and all of its policies. This ideology, when implemented, undoubtedly results in increased Christian persecution.

We asked Dipesh, a Nepali evangelist, to describe Nepal’s anti-conversion laws in greater detail.

“The anti-conversion law was initiated or drafted long before—since a team of missionaries came here in 1953,” says Dipesh. “Back then, there was a bilateral agreement with the government and missionaries. That law, that agreement, said that you cannot proselytize to people. Conversion was not tolerated at all.”

While proselytizing wasn’t permitted, goodwill endeavors initiated by Christians were allowed for the benefit of society.

“You could do social work, welfare, university building, [charitable] service,” explains Dipesh. “You can bring money, and do your job, but do not speak about your religion. They [Christians] wouldn’t share the saving gospel or do evangelism.”

Nepal Declared a Secular Nation

Dipesh continued his story, explaining how Nepal became a secular country—if in name only—according to the law in the early 2000s.

“In 2006, during the latest people’s movement, there was a deal between the agitating political parties and the monarch. They came together, and there was a deal. At that time, they declared the nation [Nepal] to be secular for the first time,” says Dipesh.

“That was in 2007 … An interim constitution was established. It was the first time it was declared that the nation would be a secular nation. This was not done to benefit Christians or other minorities. The political ideology behind the secularism was to remove the monarchy, the Hindu monarchy. That was the reason.”

But today, an inherent hypocrisy lies within this “non-religious” constitutional designation—and Nepal’s small Christian community is speaking out against it.

“The written definition of the secular state is to retain the “ancient religion.” So the state has the right to protect and promote the ancient religion—Hinduism,” remarks Dipesh. “So that’s the meaning of the secular state. It contradicts within itself.”

Prejudice Forms Against The Christian Minority

Dipesh went on to describe the persecution movement against the Nepali Christians:

“Somehow, the gospel still came [to Nepal] … In 2017, the first law was written banning evangelism,” he shares. “After almost ten years, they again restated that evangelism is prohibited. From that point, the plot against the minority religion started.”

Nepali laws appear at odds with one another, as they simultaneously claim to promote religious freedom, yet restrict conversions and the freedom to choose one’s religion with the assistance of a church leader or spiritual mentor.

“Under fundamental rights article 26, it talks about how one is free to observe his religion—but conversion is prohibited,” exclaims an incredulous Dipesh. “It is not strictly written that one cannot convert religions, but it is written that you cannot convert others … meaning in any religion, you need someone to facilitate this decision, like a priest or pastor.”

In reviewing the law, this much becomes clear: Christian church leaders remain a target.

“Ultimately, it will be the fault of that person [the church leader]. So if I am willfully converting of my religion and someone else is involved, he would be accused. That’s how it’s written in the Constitution,” Dispesh says, expressing his frustration. “We [Christians] disagree with that, and we are lobbying to amend it according to the UN standard. We are talking about it frequently.”
 

Christian Baptisms and Bibles Targeted in Nepal

To further contradict Nepal’s claim of secularism, we need only look at the nation’s penal code, which makes it problematic for Nepali believers to engage in common Christian practices, such as carrying a Bible or undergoing the act of baptism.

“Yeah, carrying a Bible would be attempted conversion. That is a criminal offense according to law. Baptism is the pinnacle of conversion,” details Dipesh.

“In penal code, it is strictly said that no one is allowed to convert others’ religion.” Dipesh articulates. “A conversion incident is baptism for Christians. So in baptism, somebody else would be involved. So if you look at … the meaning and idea behind this, it’s no conversion at all—or no freedom of religion. That is what we could say. So, freedom of religion indeed is not given to anyone.”

Dipesh then recounted a very concerning incident in which local authorities arrested a Christian and threatened to charge him with attempted conversion for merely having a Bible in his possession:

“Yesterday, I was arguing with one of the officers, a policeman. He said, when this certain person was arrested, he found a Bible in his bag. That’s proof to them that he is attempting to convert someone’s religion … I said, ‘Is carrying a personal Bible in my bag proof that I am going around and trying to convert others’ religion?’ That’s how they are describing it. It is ridiculous, but also serious. We have to see the seriousness of this,” Dipesh stresses. 

“Why can a Hindu priest preach openly without conviction? Why is it only pastors and evangelists? That’s the question we are raising now. Others are free. They could do anything. And for Christians, even carrying a Bible is a criminal act.”

Is Christianity Illegal in Nepal? A Complex Answer to a Simple Question

As we conclude this article, we’ll circle back to the initial question: “Is Christianity illegal in Nepal?” Some aspects of Christianity are permitted. For example, the church is free to gather for worship and fellowship. However, the nation’s restrictive anti-conversion laws make it very difficult for Nepali believers to practice the fullness of the Christian faith; fundamentals—such as discipling seekers with the Word, or baptizing new converts—are essentially outlawed.

Christians also face a number of other challenges in Nepal. According to the U.S. Department of State, Nepali Christian nonprofits and charities have encountered difficulty when attempting to renew government-required registrations. Evangelists have been arrested and sent to jail for proselytizing, and Christians have encountered difficulties securing land for religious burials of the dead.

A Prayer for Nepali Believers

Our fervent prayers are absolutely essential for nations like Nepal, where religious freedom restrictions are infused into the law. We invite the Body of Christ to pray for persecuted Christian evangelists and church leaders like Dipesh, as they take significant risks to raise awareness around the issue of Christian persecution in Nepal. Please pray with us now.

God, we pray for Christians in Nepal. We are grateful for the existence of the church here, and we pray it will flourish over time. But we are troubled by the nation’s laws, which appear to target minority Christians more than other majority religious groups. Please empower those like Dipesh to lift their voices loudly, in an effort to speak out against this injustice.

We pray for a day when believers in Nepal will be free to carry a Bible without condemnation under the law. When they are free to share the hope of Jesus with a family member, friend, or acquaintance. When they are free to celebrate the joy of baptism and being brought to life in Christ. Amen.

*Please note that Dipesh’s name has been changed to ensure his safety and anonymity.

About the author

Abigail Hart is a director of communications at Global Christian Relief. She is passionate about increasing awareness of Christian persecution around the world, and highlighting stories of those who are suffering for their faith. She invites you to read the latest stories of Christian persecution on the GCR website.