ICC Note:

Christians in Nepal have celebrated Christmas despite new restrictions on religious freedom in the country. Last year, Nepal adopted a new constitution that declared the country officially a secular nation. Despite this improvement, the constitution also carried a clause that made causing a religious conversion illegal. Many Christians saw this clause to be directed at their community, which is one of the fastest growing Christian communities in the world. 

12/26/2016 Nepal (Asia News) – Thousands of Catholics are expected tomorrow at a mass Christmas celebration in Kathmandu.

Since Nepal constitutionally became a secular state eight years ago, Christians have been allowed to celebrate the birth of Jesus, albeit with some restrictions.

For Fr Ignatius Rai, pastor at Kathmandu’s Assumption Cathedral, “Secularism in the Charter is good for all faiths. This was a victory for all minorities, including Christians, but in practice we want more respect and equality.”

This year, he noted, people are preparing to celebrate Christmas “with greater commitment than in previous years and thousands will join the celebrations.”

For 240 years (until 2007), Nepal was a Hindu monarchy. Despite changes, Christians still face limitations, noted Fr Gahatrai, general secretary of the Federation of Nepali Christians.

“We understand that our country has been dominated for years by Hindus and that this fact is reflected in many aspects of life,” he explained.

“We are happy with the court’s decision to free eight Christians accused of forced conversions. Still we suffer some discrimination. One example is the government’s decision to cancel Christmas as a national holiday. Sometimes we also face restrictions in worship.”

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