Nestled between India and China, Nepal is sometimes in danger of being overlooked. But religious extremism is a real threat in this country, and people across the whole of Nepal are endangered by the ‘culture of impunity’ – a situation where people come to believe that they can commit crimes without punishment

Nepal used to be a Hindu monarchy, and is in the process of becoming a secular state; but, a few years after its national Constituent Assembly started work on the constitution, no final text has been agreed and the country is being led by a temporary caretaker government. As the new constitution is being drafted, there is still a need to ensure that it guarantees full freedom of religion or belief for everyone. CSW has long been working with activists in the region to champion the cause of religious freedom in these negotiations.

This week please:

• Thank God for the interfaith work between Christian leaders and leaders of other faiths;
• Pray for free and fair elections in November;
• Pray that the elections would not be hindered by the splinter groups that may turn violent if they are unable to participate in the elections;
• Pray for everyone working on the stalled constitution process, that they would continue to be inspired despite the frustrations of the situation;
• Ask God to bring an end to the impunity and lack of accountability that is widespread across the country;
• Pray for the ethnic and religious minorities that can so often be overlooked in the electoral process;
• Ask God to strengthen the Nepali Church as a whole, as well as individual Christians, at this time of deep uncertainty.