PALPA, Nepal — High-caste Hindus, Brahmins, who have been harassing a church in Nepal forced it to shut down in November and issued threats against anyone found to be meeting anywhere, including houses.
The Brahmins in western Nepal’s Palpa District had disrupted worship of the Pakhluwa Eternal Life Church in Palpa each week and accused pastor Tufani Bhar of converting villagers.
Bhar established the church about nine months ago. Initially the Brahmins objected to the use of guitars and drums in the church service, so the church worshipped silently. Then they objected to the Lord’s Supper, so the church began traveling to Butwal to partake of the sacrament.
Opposition grew until Bhar and his congregation were no longer allowed to gather together.
Bhar said there had been no opposition in his 38 years of ministry in Butwal and nearby areas, but Hindu extremist groups from India have influenced Nepal’s Hindus.
Evangelizing is a criminal offense in Nepal, which is ranked No. 25 on Christian support organization Open Doors’ 2018 World Watch List of the 50 countries where it is most difficult to be a Christian. (MS)
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