CONTINUED BAN ON CONVERTING OTHERS PROPOSED

NEPAL
September 21 MPBS24/7 REPORT From CDN – A legislative panel in Nepal has proposed retaining a ban on converting others in the country’s new constitution. Parliament has yet to decide on the proposal, but Christian leaders said they fear it is likely to be approved given that Nepal’s largest political party, led by former Maoist rebels, sympathizes with the deposed king’s wishes for such a ban. The country is forging a new constitution as part of its transition from a Hindu monarchy to a democracy. The Religious Liberty Commission of the World Evangelical Alliance reported that a preliminary draft the Committee on Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles (CFRDP) presented to Nepal’s parliament penalizes activities aimed at encouraging others to convert, though it does not punish individuals for converting. Asked if the proposal violated international conventions such as the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which Nepal is a signatory, CFRDP Chairperson Binda Pandey said the committee looked at “all relevant conventions” as well as “Nepal’s own unique socio-political context” before reaching the consensus. Jesuit Bishop Anthony Sharma said the panel’s proposal will not alter his congregation’s Christian activities. “We do not have any fear, and we will continue to do what we are doing, whether it’s a Hindu constitution or a secular one,” he said. “Conversion is by God; people simply respond to Him. Our philosophy is, ‘We propose and not impose.’ The growth of the church in Nepal is due to the Christian witness, and not just by preaching.” But the Rev. Dr. Mangalam Mahajan, president of Koinonia Church Fellowship, said, “The restriction will affect the Christian work in Nepal.”