On 9 October 2026, Nepalese police arrested 24 South Korean Christians at Nepal New Covenant College in eastern Nepal. The group had travelled to Nepal to take part in a Christian training programme. Their arrest raised concerns about religious freedom and the challenges Christians face when sharing their faith in the country.
According to reports, police suspected that the South Korean visitors had participated in religious teaching and missionary activities that were not permitted under their tourist visas. Nepal places restrictions on foreign visitors engaging in missionary work and attempting to convert people to another religion. However, the college’s principal reportedly said the visitors were meeting with local Christians and were not preaching publicly. All 24 Christians were later released.
Christianity is a minority religion in Nepal, where Hinduism is the majority religion. Although the country’s constitution provides for religious freedom, it also restricts religious conversion and actions intended to convert others. These laws can create challenges for Christians involved in evangelism, Bible teaching and missionary work.
From a Christian perspective, this incident highlights the difficulties Believers may face when seeking to share the Gospel in countries with restrictions on religious activities. It also raises important questions about the balance between following local laws and protecting the freedom to practise and share one’s faith.
Jesus called His followers to make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19–20). For Christians, this mission remains important, but it also calls for wisdom, respect and discernment when working across different cultures and legal systems.
Please join us in prayer:
- For wisdom and courage: Pray for local Christians and those involved in ministry in Nepal to have wisdom, courage and opportunities to grow in their faith.
- For religious freedom: Pray that religious freedom will be protected and that Christians will be able to practise and share their faith without fear.
- For peace and understanding: Pray for greater understanding between religious communities in Nepal, that people of different beliefs will live together peacefully and respect one another’s rights.
