by Karen Faulkner, Worthy News Correspondent
(Worthy News) – As Christians in India suffer increasing violent persecution at the hands of extremist Hindu nationalists, believers in next-door Nepal are now at risk of persecution as that same Hindu nationalism begins to target them too, International Christian Concern (ICC) reports.
Although Nepal is no longer officially a Hindu nation, Hinduism remains the main religion in this nation that includes 1,341,000 Christians (4.4% of the population).
According to ICC, there is evidence suggesting that Hindu nationalists in India have been funding violence against religious minorities in Nepal. “Christians, Muslims, and Buddhists have seen their sacred buildings, holy ceremonies, and specific individuals targeted by the Hindu majority,” ICC said in its report.
“Pray that Christians in Nepal will remain bold in their faith despite the growing threat of persecution and that they will remain safe,” ICC requested.
In a current website statement about the situation facing Christians in Nepal, the Open Doors international Christian advocacy organization says: “Though Nepal is no longer an official Hindu state, most Christian persecution in Nepal comes from radical Hindu groups who want the country to return to Hinduism. Many Nepalese Christians come from Hinduism and endure the rejection of their families after they find Jesus.”
“Pray for Nepal’s government,” Open Doors adds. “Ask that God would touch the hearts of Nepalese leaders, and that they would allow true religious freedom to flourish.”
Copyright 1999-2024 Worthy News. This article was originally published on Worthy News and was reproduced with permission.
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