Nepal Experiences Growing Interest in Christianity

by Karen Faulkner, Worthy News Correspondent

(Worthy News) – While converts to Christianity in Nepal are vulnerable to persecution from radical Hindu groups and from within their own indigenous communities, positive reports are emerging of the Gospel’s advancement in the isolated mountainous country. There are now 1.3 million Christians in Nepal, 4.4% of a population of 30.5 million, and that number is reportedly growing.

Nepal is predominantly Hindu but, importantly, it no longer an officially Hindu state: protections for Christians and other religious minorities like Buddhists were enshrined in the Constitution in 2007.

In his blog The Witness, youth minister Adam Phillips contends that missionary activity in Nepal is bearing fruit amid a growing interest in the Gospel. “As a Christian youth pastor, it is my duty to educate and inform the members of our congregation about Christianity around the world. Nepal, though not traditionally known as a Christian country, has seen a growing interest in Christianity over the past few decades,” Phillips explains.

“One reason for this growth may be because Christianity offers hope and community for those who are marginalized or oppressed by their society’s caste system. In Nepal’s case, this includes Dalits or “untouchables,” who face discrimination even within their own communities,” Phillips says.

“Although Christianity is not yet widely accepted throughout all sectors of Nepali society due to its relatively recent introduction into the country’s religious landscape but it does provide spiritual guidance that many find fulfilling despite any hardships faced along the way towards full acceptance by all sectors of society,” Phillips said.

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