Following Nepal’s nearly 200-year ban on Christianity, the faith has experienced steady growth since 1951 as the number of churches, Christian schools, and hospitals has gradually expanded.

Despite this growth, Christians only make up about 1.76% of Nepal’s population, while more than 81% of people identify as Hindu. In the face of legal restrictions, social pressure, and occasional violence, Christianity continues to grow in Nepal, particularly among oppressed communities seeking social acceptance and religious freedom.

In a new report, International Christian Concern (ICC) Fellow Linda Burkle, PhD, examines the link between increased Hindu nationalism and the persecution of Christians. She explores the history of Christianity in Nepal, the discriminatory application of its laws, the results of its recent election, and the consequences for Nepali believers today.

According to Christian leaders in Nepal, increasing Hindu nationalism seeks both to reinforce Nepal’s identity as a Hindu nation and to suppress Christian growth. Christian converts, especially those who leave Hinduism, often endure severe social consequences.

Recent years have seen growing concern over attacks on churches, arrests of pastors, and the use of blasphemy and anti-conversion laws against Christians. Hindu nationalist groups have become more active, and some reports suggest that political and ideological influences from neighboring India have strengthened anti-Christian sentiment in Nepal.

Yet, despite the many challenges, our brothers and sisters in Christ in the South Asian country continue to be a light in the darkness, sharing the love of Christ and the hope of the gospel with their Hindu nationalist neighbors.

You can read the full report here.

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