Five Christians Arrested

1 minute read
Arrested believers - Photo: Morning Star News www.morningstarnews.org
(From left) Pastor Dilli Ram Paudel, Kunsang Tamang, Gaurav Shrivastava and Leanna Cinquanta share a meal in Nepal.
Photo: Morning Star News

Five Christians, including two foreign nationals, were arrested on April 23rd on allegations of attempted proselytization. The arrests happened during an early morning raid on a hotel in Ghorahi. The police seized Bibles, computers and other items, including American currency. Before being arrested for preaching Christianity and converting through allurement, the five were scheduled to attend a Christian conference that day.

Among those arrested was the General Secretary of the Nepal Christian Society, Dilli Ram Paudel. Others included in the arrests were an Indian citizen, Gaurav Shrivastava; an American citizen, Leanna Cinquanta; and two Nepalese citizens, Kunsang Tamang and Pramid Kafle. After being detained for ten hours, Leanna's visa was revoked and she was deported to the United States. The others are facing criminal charges.

Opposition to Christians and other religious minorities has increased markedly since new laws were passed in August 2018, criminalizing any encouragement of religious conversion.

Please prayerfully remember the remaining Christians who are facing unjust allegations, asking God to mediate on their behalf. Pray that His truth and righteousness will be upheld so that His people in Nepal will be able to freely practise their faith. May the existing anti-conversion laws be repealed so that the religious rights of all will be respected.

  • Current Ministry Project

    Through training on awareness, advocacy, and the theology of persecution, VOMC is helping to equip church leaders in Nepal to better respond to and withstand persecution.

    Project Fund: Equipping the Saints

  • Country Information

    Population
    30,899,443 (2023 est.)

    Ethnicity (%)
    Chhettri (16.5), Brahman-Hill (11.3), Magar (6.9), Tharu (6.2), Tamang (5.6), Bishwokarma (5), Musalman (4.9), Newar (4.6), Yadav (4.2), Rai (2.2), Pariyar (1.9), Gurung (1.9), Thakuri (1.7), Mijar (1.6), Teli (1.5), Yakthung/Lumbu (1.4), Chamar/Harijan/Ram (1.4), Koiri/Kushwaha (1.2), other (20)

    Religion (%)
    Hindu (81.2), Buddhist (8.2), Muslim (5.1), Kirat (3.2), Christian (1.8), Other (0.5), Unspecifed (0.2)

    Leader
    President Ram Chandra Poudel (2023)

    Government type
    Federal parliamentary republic

    Legal system
    English common law and Hindu legal concepts

    Source: CIA World Factbook

  • Pray for Nepal

    Pray that Christians will practice their faith with courage.

    Pray that despite the lack of freedom to share the hope of faith in Christ, the Lord will give Christians opportunities to evangelize.

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