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| Christianity in Nepal | |
|---|---|
| Name | Christianity in Nepal |
| Caption | St. Mary's Cathedral, Kathmandu |
| Main classification | Christianity |
| Scripture | Bible |
| Theology | Christian theology |
| Leader | Pope (Catholic), various bishops, pastors |
| Founded date | 18th–20th centuries (missionary presence); legal recognition 1990s |
| Founded place | Kathmandu Valley, Nepal |
| Area | Nepal |
| Members | estimates vary (0.5–2.0% of population) |
Christianity in Nepal is a minority religious tradition in Nepal with a history of missionary contacts, indigenous conversions, and contemporary institutional development. Christian communities in Kathmandu, Pokhara, Biratnagar, Dhangadhi, and Janakpur encompass Roman Catholic, Protestant, Pentecostal, and Orthodox bodies linked to regional and global networks. The presence of Christianity in Nepal intersects with social change, ethnic identities, and legal controversies involving Constitution of Nepal provisions and anti-conversion debates.
Christian presence in the Himalayan region traces to early contacts between Jesuits and Himalayan courts, 17th–18th century missionaries, and later 19th-century Church Missionary Society activity in British India that influenced cross-border work. Missionary pioneers such as Antonio de Andrade in Tibet and Catholic missions in Darjeeling set precedents before the unification campaigns of Prithvi Narayan Shah and the Shah dynasty consolidated modern Nepal. During the 19th and early 20th centuries, limited Anglican, Catholic, and Protestant outreach occurred amid relations with British Raj and princely states. The 1950s saw expanded service by Missionary societies like the United Mission to Nepal and denominations including the Church of Scotland and Lutheran World Federation. Political changes following the End of Rana rule opened Nepal to international aid and faith-based organizations, while the Maoist insurgency (1996–2006) affected religious minorities. The promulgation of the Constitution of Nepal in 1990 and its later revisions shaped legal recognition for religious institutions, and the 21st century witnessed rapid growth in Evangelical and Pentecostal congregations linked to networks from India, South Korea, United States, and Philippines.
Estimates of Christian population size vary across censuses and surveys conducted by the Central Bureau of Statistics (Nepal), the National Population and Housing Census, and international research organizations such as Pew Research Center. The 2011 census reported Christians as a small minority, with concentrations among Newar, Magar, Gurung, Tharu, Rai, Limbu, Chepang, and Dalit communities. Urban centers like Kathmandu District, Kavrepalanchok District, and Kaski District show higher Christian percentages. Migration to Gulf cooperation countries and India has influenced community composition through remittances and transnational networks. Socioeconomic factors affecting Christians include education levels, caste background, and affiliation with NGOs such as Caritas Nepal and World Vision International.
Major denominational bodies in Nepal include the Roman Catholic Church organized under the Apostolic Vicariate of Nepal and the Nepal Christian Society of Protestant and Evangelical churches. Established denominations include the Church of Nepal (Anglican), Nepal Presbyterian Church, Baptist churches associated with International Mission Board, Assemblies of God, United Mission to Nepal, Lutheran churches linked to the Lutheran World Federation, and Orthodox communities connected to Antiochian Orthodox Church and Russian Orthodox Church. Faith-based NGOs active in Nepal include Caritas Internationalis, World Vision International, Christian Aid, Tearfund, Save the Children (UK), and Missionary Aviation Fellowship. Interdenominational councils and umbrella groups, such as the Nepal Christian Fellowship and ecumenical ties with the World Council of Churches, coordinate social and religious activities.
Legal frameworks affecting Christians involve the Interim Constitution of Nepal and subsequent constitutions, including stipulations on citizenship, religious expression, and anti-conversion measures debated in the Parliament of Nepal and contested in cases before the Supreme Court of Nepal. Laws such as sections in the Muluki Ain (civil code) historically influenced personal status and inheritance for converts. Political actors including the Nepali Congress, the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist Centre), the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist–Leninist), and religiously affiliated civic groups have shaped policy toward religious minorities. International bodies like the United Nations Human Rights Council and Amnesty International have raised concerns about religious freedom, while bilateral partners including India–Nepal relations and diplomatic missions monitor minority rights.
Christian worship in Nepal ranges from liturgical services in St. Mary’s Cathedral (Kathmandu) to charismatic gatherings in Pentecostal parishes and house churches. Sacramental practice among Roman Catholic Church communities includes Mass in Nepali language and local languages like Newar language, Maithili language, and Tamang language. Bible translation projects involve organizations such as Bible Society of Nepal and partnerships with the United Bible Societies. Educational and healthcare institutions founded or supported by Christians include mission hospitals, St. Xavier's School (Dharan), St. Xavier's School (Jawalakhel), and theological training at seminaries connected to the Asia Theological Association.
Christian organizations contribute to disaster relief after events like the 2015 Nepal earthquake, public health campaigns addressing tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS, and development projects in collaboration with agencies such as United Nations Development Programme and World Health Organization. Conversion among marginalized groups has intersected with advocacy on Dalit rights and indigenous rights under frameworks discussed by the National Human Rights Commission (Nepal). Christian artists, writers, and musicians participate in Nepali literature and cultural festivals, while institutions like Caritas Nepal and National Young Women Christian Association engage in community development.
Controversies over conversion and proselytism have involved incidents reported in districts like Hetauda, Jhapa District, and Mahottari District, prompting responses from the Ministry of Home Affairs (Nepal) and human rights organizations. Anti-conversion rhetoric has been propelled by groups such as Rastriya Prajatantra Party-aligned activists and Hindu nationalist organizations inspired by Vishwa Hindu Parishad and regional counterparts, leading to legal complaints and social tension. Court cases in the Supreme Court of Nepal and interventions by international actors including the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom have addressed allegations of discrimination, violence, and restrictions on religious freedom; advocacy groups like Open Doors and Christian Solidarity Worldwide monitor these developments.
Category:Religion in Nepal Category:Christianity by country